Investigators with the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office believe Pensacola resident Bruce Lovon Purifoy is responsible for a burglary which occurred last year at the Piggly Wiggly grocery store on U.S. Highway 87 in Milton. Since being charged with burglary, grand theft and criminal mischief Purifoy has been released from jail.
According to an arrest report from the sheriff’s office, Purifoy is believed to take part in a burglary at the store on October 13, 2014. Deputies were called on scene after an alarm inside the store was activated.
Outside security footage revealed three suspects emerge near the store from a wooded area, but only two individuals entered the store wearing gloves and a masks. While one of the suspects wore a plain black mask, the other suspect was described as wearing a “mask appearing to be that which resembled Batman,” reports said.
The video footage revealed the suspects removed an ATM machine from inside Piggly Wiggly. In the report, deputies on scene found tracks in the woods from what they believe to be a dolly to transport the ATM.
At the scene, deputies found two portions of the ATM, one of which containing the money. According to the report, the suspects attempts to steal the money inside the machine were unsuccessful. However, damages to the ATM was estimated at $3,000.
Information regarding the incident was shared with Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Pensacola Police Department and Escambia County, Alabama Sheriff’s Office. It was then determined by the investigator to further look into a group of suspects responsible for another ATM burglary at the Eglin Federal Credit Union in Navarre on November 24, 2014.
In addition to interviewing suspects already incarcerated and working alongside other law enforcement agencies, the sheriff’s office arrested Purifoy on October 8 on charges of burglary, grand theft and criminal mischief. Purifoy was released on October 12 with a bond set at $110,000.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Pensacola man charged in connection to Piggly Wiggly burglary