TAYLORSVILLE — Newly released surveillance video reveals a man’s repeated attempts to break into a music store in a heist that netted nearly $55,000 in guitars.
The break-in was part of a larger spree on Dec. 14, which drew a response from West Valley and Unified police officers and involved four businesses.
The video, which was obtained through an open records request, shows a man identified by police as Tyler Davis Cook, 31, repeatedly attempting to break into the Guitar Center, 5752 S. Redwood Road, using a Chevy Blazer and chain — first by attaching the chain to the outer door and then to the inner metal security gate.
The video then shows a man making three trips out of the store — the first carrying three guitars, the last two carrying four.
Charging documents said the items taken from Guitar Center had an estimated value of $54,780. A Guitar Center manager declined to comment about the pending case.
Police said Cook made three prior stops that night, including Cash America Pawn at 7189 W. 3500 South, EZ Pawn at 3105 W. 3500 South, and General Army Navy Outdoor at 4974 S. Redwood Road.
Cash America Pawn district manager Mike Malay said more damage was left behind at that business than the value of the items stolen. Malay estimated damages in the range of $8,000.
At General Army Navy, worker Vicky Berry said the store was still waiting for a new door after police say Cook rammed the Blazer into the storefront.
“He took one of our axes and smashed all of the knife counters in this section,” Berry said. “Scooped up some of the knives and went out and put them in his truck and took off across our lawn.”
Cook was identified in surveillance video at EZ Pawn as the man who shattered a glass display window and made off with $410 in merchandise, charging documents state.
Prosecutors charged Cook with 11 felonies, including aggravated burglary, and three misdemeanors.
As Cook left Guitar Center, an officer ordered him to stop several times. Instead, Cook got into the Blazer and drove the SUV toward the officer, who stepped out of the way to avoid being struck by the vehicle, according to the charges.
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