Gadsden police break burglary ring

Ladarius Rishard Sanders

Gadsden investigators say they believe they have broken up a commercial burglary ring, with the Tuesday arrest ,and more are expected as their investigation continues.

Gadsden investigators  said sometime after the Fish Market restaurant on Rainbow Drive closed at about 10 p.m. Monday, someone broke the glass in a back door and entered the restaurant. There was a container of flour dumped and someone forced open the door to the office, taking cash drawers and a safe.

Detectives reviewed the security camera footage and saw a male suspect wearing silver-framed glasses, a pull-over hoodie and multi-colored shorts with an unusual pattern inside the business. Investigators  were at the back of the restaurant looking for evidence when they noticed drag marks on the ground heading in the direction of a nearby motel. Investigators found the safe in the bushes near the dock and found a pair of hand trucks by the stairwell at the motel.

Investigators observed a couple standing outside the motel watching officers and officers went over to speak to them. As they he did, they passed another open room door and saw a woman inside sweeping.

The woman gave consent to search the motel room, and detectives found receipts from the restaurant and dust that they believe came from efforts to break into the safe. Underneath the bed, they found money still in bands from the restaurant and a soaking-wet hoodie.

29 year old Ladarius Rishard Sanders, was arrested and will be charged with first-degree theft and third-degree burglary.

 detectives found property taken from, or linking the man to, other crimes.

Detectives continued to investigate a break-in at Uncle Sam’s restaurant at about 11 p.m. Monday. Someone broke in, broke into the office and took some cash. They believe the break-in there might be related to a string a break-ins near the motel where Sanders and the female suspect were staying.

Sanders also will be charged in connection with a break-in at Bob Haller Insurance Agency in the 1700 block of Rainbow Drive. Someone entered the business after closing on Friday and before 8 a.m. Saturday, taking cash and checks. One check from the business has been cashed and an attempt was made on Monday to cash another, according to police reports.

Sanders allegedly passed a check from the business.

Detective anticipate more charges against Sanders, and possible charges against two other people in connection with the burglary ring.  Officials say Sanders may also be implicated in several burglaries in Anniston and Calhoun county.