Pike County Man Charged with Burglary-Related Offenses After Investigation

A Pike County man has been charged with felony offenses after investigators say witnesses identified him leaving a rural property where more than $5,000 worth of property was reported stolen.

According to a probable cause affidavit, deputies with the Pike County Sheriff’s Office responded May 29 to a residence on Highway 70 West after receiving reports of a burglary and shots fired.

Investigators allege that witnesses identified Robert Patton carrying two large bags from the property and placing them into a maroon Jeep Wrangler before leaving the scene. A nearby resident told deputies he fired four rounds from a 9mm handgun at the vehicle’s tires as it drove away but did not believe he struck the vehicle.

Deputies reported finding evidence of entry into a building on the property, fresh footprints and frozen food hidden in nearby grass that was identified as property taken from the residence. During the investigation, authorities said they linked the Jeep to Patton through witness statements and social media photographs.

On June 2, additional property was reported missing, including collectible currency, coin and stamp collections, a PlayStation gaming console, a guitar and other items. Investigators estimate the value of the stolen property exceeds $5,000.

Patton has been charged with breaking or entering, a Class D felony, and theft of property, a Class C felony.