Philadelphia police make arrests in two commercial burglaries

A Preston man has been arrested and charged in connection with two burglaries of businesses in Philadelphia.

Gregory Anton Clemons, 25, of  Preston has been charged with two counts of commercial burglary stemming from break-ins at Prince Oil Co., Inc. and Shan’s Paint and Body.

Both Sheriff Eric Clark and the Philadelphia Police Department had circulated stills from security footage of the suspect at both locations asking for help in identifying and tracking him down.

Shan Winstead, owner of the paint and body shop on Weyerhaeuser Road, posted some pictures from his security system on July 8. He said the then-unidentified suspect had broken into his business and fled after hearing the alarm early that morning.

“Anyone know this outstanding citizen,” Winstead wrote. “He kicked in the door of Shan’s Paint and Body around 5:45 a.m. Once the Alarm went off he fled down Range Ave. on foot.”

Police Detective Bobby Pattillo said that on Friday, July 10, officers from the Philadelphia Police Department, working on tips from the community, arrested Clemons. Following an interview and continued investigation, Clemons was charged with two counts of Commercial Burglary. 

“The Philadelphia Police Department is grateful for all the tips and information that came in from our citizens,” Pattillo said.

Pattillo said that on Sunday, June 7, a burglary was reported at Prince Oil Co. at 150 Hospital Road. Police say that burglary also happened around 5 a.m. that morning.

An investigation has shown that entry was made through a rear window and several offices had been ravaged. 

Surveillance footage from the June incident show a suspect wearing a mask. Authorities have identified that suspect as Clemons.