A wave of smash-and-grab burglaries across Nashville has culminated in the arrest of a 19-year-old suspect, Thomas Membreno-Rodriquez. According to WKRN, Membreno-Rodriquez is accused of using stolen vehicles to ram through the entrances of multiple businesses, resulting in extensive property damage and theft.
The arrest occurred Wednesday afternoon when the suspect was stopped for driving without a license and possessing marijuana. The time at which these burglaries took place spanned over a month, with Membreno-Rodriquez and his accomplices allegedly targeting vape shops and a weaponry training facility. The first reported attempt, an unsuccessful raid on Let's Vape, occurred on July 7, as stated in the reports gathered by WSMV.
In what appears to be a spree of calculated attacks, the determined burglars used stolen vehicles as battering rams. This risky and destructive method caused tens of thousands of dollars in damages. Like a breadcrumb trail, pieces from each crime scene eventually led investigators to Membreno-Rodriquez. Upon questioning, and as detailed by News Channel 9, he admitted to playing a principal role in the burglaries alongside his unidentified partners in crime.
The suspect is now facing multiple charges, including burglary, attempted burglary, felony theft, felony vandalism, marijuana possession, and driving without a license. While behind bars with a bond set at $140,500, the repercussions of the crime wave are still being untangled by the police. The investigation continues vigorously by the Metro Nashville Police Department as they seek to apprehend the other individuals involved.
