$5k reward offered for information

Polk County has had a rash of break-ins since last weekend, but three that occurred during the night of Monday, Jan. 23 ended with a Silver Creek Road family missing more than $500,000 in cash.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Detective Michael Capps said all three break-ins occurred along Silver Creek Road in Mill Spring within a mile of one another.

William Arledge said he kept cash in a safe in a building that he normally had secured. Owner of a grading company, Arledge said the money was earned over 42 years. He did not turn on the security system Monday night.

“It really makes me feel bad,” Arledge said on WLOS 13 news cameras. “I’m mad, aggravated at myself for not turning the security system on in the building.”

Arledge also said on camera that he felt like whoever broke into his building knew exactly where to go.

Arledge lost the cash, guns and ammunition, and his work truck was also stolen from the property.

The work truck and a small amount of cash was later recovered along the Polk/Rutherford County line, according to Capps.

The other two break-ins along Silver Creek Road involved the larceny of tools.

Calvin Bradly said he bought his building in 1950 and until Monday had never had a break-in.

His building was locked, but the suspect(s) tore a section off the door to gain entry and stole tools.

Another six break-ins occurred in Polk County over the weekend, but the Polk County Sheriff’s Office is not linking those to the Silver Creek Road break-ins.

Arledge is offering a $5,000 reward to anyone with information leading to a conviction in the case.

Capps asked anyone who notices someone acting out of character, such as spending unusual amounts of money, to contact authorities.

The sheriff’s office does not yet have any suspects.

Anyone with information regarding any of the recent break-ins is urged to call the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at 828-894-3001.