Edmond detectives use DNA from tool left on crime scene to identify burglar

EDMOND, Okla. (KFOR) — More than six months after a robbery, Edmond police found a missing piece to an investigation.

A suspect left a tool at the crime scene that led investigators to his identification.

"We were able to identify the DNA," said Emily Ward with the Edmond Police Department.

Ward said, "Our technical investigators came and processed it, took it with them, and processed it for DNA analysis that gets turned over to OSBI."

In April, authorities say two people robbed a Shell gas station located at 2136 East 2nd Street in Edmond, stealing about $5K worth of cigarettes.

The suspect, who Edmond police has not yet identified, left a hammer at the scene. It appears the hammer was used to break-in through the front glass windows.

According to court records, a second suspect was outside in a getaway car.

News 4 spoke to the owner of that Shell location, he did not want to go on camera, but tells us he had to invest in a new security system and install metal bars to prevent thieves from returning.

The crime was also alarming for other business owners in the strip center.

Trinh Nguyen is the owner of Modern Nails and Spa, she said, "We've been here 17 years and I mean, none of that has ever happened."

Nguyen also said, "It was surreal."

Edmond police said the suspect, who left his DNA on the hammer, was already behind bars for another crime.

Authorities are hoping their work in this investigation can prevent others.

Edmond police said the case is still under investigation as they look for the second suspect and they are not yet releasing the name of the other suspect that they already identified.