Two individuals have been arrested following a break-in at a Murfreesboro comic bookstore that resulted in the theft of nearly $10,000 worth of collectible game cards. WKRN reports that the suspects, Phillip Clodfelter, 42, and Kelly Garner, 64, allegedly shattered the glass front door of Grand Adventures Comics and Games late Tuesday evening to carry out their heist. Wearing Halloween masks - one reminiscent of Michael Myers and the other of a nun from "The Town" - the duo were captured on security footage during their attempt to quickly snag a batch of valuable Magic: The Gathering cards estimated to be worth around $8,000.
The failed endeavor to also breach Grand Slam Collectibles, which was thwarted, was noted in a statement obtained by WSMV. The Murfreesboro Police Department (MPD) issued a Be On the Lookout (BOLO) alert for the suspect's vehicle, a red Honda, which was later pulled over by Smyrna police due to erratic driving. During the traffic stop, officers reportedly immediately recognized the distinct masks and visible stolen game cards inside the vehicle.
The men face charges of burglary, theft, and vandalism. WSMV quoted MPD Public Information Officer Larry Flowers, stating that "Garner and Clodfelter are also suspected of committing similar burglaries at comic stores in Brentwood and Nashville." The investigation continues as detectives ascertain the possibility of the suspects' connection with additional crimes of a similar nature.
Following their arrest, Clodfelter and Garner were transported to the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center, each held on a bond of $48,000. This incident underscores a not uncommon thread where the collectible value of items such as trading cards can drive individuals to commit crimes mirroring those typically reserved for high-stakes assets. As the community and the victims of the theft assess the fallout of the crime, authorities strive to piece together any further evidence that could shed more light on the masked men's spree.
