GRAPEVINE, TX – Authorities have arrested two men accused of using a sledgehammer to break into several North Texas businesses. Anthony Johnson and Perry Busby, both in their 40s, are linked to ten burglaries within a six-week span.
The crimes began in May, targeting convenience stores in Grapevine and Arlington. The suspects reportedly smashed their way into stores during early morning hours, stealing cash and cigarettes.
Police from Grapevine and Arlington worked together, identifying a pattern in the burglaries. Surveillance footage revealed the masked men using a sledgehammer, leading to their nickname, the “Sledgehammer Burglars.”
On June 11, the pair allegedly robbed Max’s Corner Store in Grapevine, taking thousands in cigarettes and cash. A similar robbery occurred earlier at a local gas station.
A white Ford Taurus, registered to Busby, was identified by Arlington’s surveillance cameras as the suspects’ vehicle. Social media connections further linked Busby to the car.
Grapevine police installed a GPS tracker on the Taurus, leading them to the suspects’ next target on July 9. Officers arrested the men at Lucky One Food Mart in Arlington as they attempted another burglary.
The men tried to hide in the store’s ceiling, causing damage in their escape attempt. Video from the store showed a new sink and broken ceiling tiles after the incident.
Social media played a significant role in the investigation, as detectives used Busby’s Facebook to match clothing seen in the videos. Busby has prior burglary arrests, showing a consistent method.
The suspects are now facing charges as police continue to investigate any further connections to other crimes.