COLONIAL HEIGHTS, Va. (WTVR) -- Billy Thomas Matthis, 34, was arrested and charged with the burglary and assault of an employee at an automotive shop.
Billy Thomas Matthis, 34, is facing several more charges as the investigation into his involvement in more burglaries continues. (PHOTO: Colonial Heights Police Department)
On July 17, a Colonial Heights Police officer was on patrol in the 3400 block of the Boulevard, an area that has experienced an uptick in break-ins recently. The officer happened upon Matthis behind one of the buildings in the neighborhood.
When the officer approached Matthis, he fled on foot. After a short pursuit, he was detained. The suspect was arrested after the officer found the burglary tools on his person.
After further investigation, Matthis was linked to an incident at Carlton's Automotive that occurred in late May. During this burglary, Matthis assaulted an employee that was sleeping inside the business when he was caught in the act. He has been linked to several other burglaries in the area over the past several months.
Matthis was charged with two counts of burglary, grand larceny, possession of burglary tools, malicious wounding and resisting arrest. Police say more charges are to be expected as the investigation continues.
Matthis is being held without bond at Riverside Regional Jail.
