A man reportedly spotted trying to break in to a Roanoke Rapids business early this morning was arrested in the area of Jackson and Eleventh streets.

Roanoke Rapids Police Chief Chuck Hasty said officers responded to David Lynch's Locksmith around 2 a.m. after a concerned citizen saw the person and contacted law enforcement.

Lieutenant Bruce Norton, Sergeant Terrence Tyler and officers Chris Biggerstaff and Jonathan Benthall responded to the area.

Norton spotted the man, later identified as Cory Lamont Thornton, but he disappeared into the early morning fog.

Tyler located the person matching his description near Jackson and Eleventh streets and charged the 32-year-old Roanoke Rapids man with attempted breaking and entering; possession of schedule VI, resist, delay and obstruct and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Thornton was given a $1,500 bond and March 6 court date.

“I would like to thank the citizen that reported the suspicious activity to the police department,” Hasty said in a statement. “By citizens working together with their local law enforcement agencies, it can make the community safer. I encourage citizens to become involved in making this community a better place to live, whether it is by forming a community watch, attending our citizens academy, or just reporting the activities going on in your neighborhood.”