The owner of BJ’s Mountain View Store confronted two individuals who were apparently in the midst of breaking into the store at around 5:30 Monday morning.

As he approached the entrance he noticed a small blue car parked in the driveway, and the driver stated that the car had broken down; about that time, a man came running out of the store and ran down the road – with the car speeding out of the driveway and heading in the same direction.

Chattooga County Deputies and Trion Police Officers responded to the scene; however they were unable to locate either of the two suspects.

An investigation revealed that the back door to the building had been damaged with entry being gained into the store – where the suspect had taken a number of lottery tickets, $200 in cash and a carton of cigarettes; officers found a tire iron and a handsaw by the back door.

Surveillance footage taken from the store shows a younger white male, wearing blue jeans, and a black and red Under Armour hoodie.

Anyone with any information on the incident should contact the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office at (706) 857-3411.

(AM1180 Chattooga County Radio)