A West Jefferson man was arrested in the early morning hours of Friday, Jan. 8 for breaking into the Murphy USA gas station at 1477 Mt. Jefferson Road.

According to Chief Brian Grogan of the West Jefferson Police Department, 24-year-old Austin James Morrow was arrested at approximately 2:20 a.m. when he was found inside the gas station attempting to steal cigarettes. Grogan sad Morrow had broken into the business, as well as a cooler outside the store. He was found in possession of a pry bar and cigarettes as well as a bag for the stolen items.

An officer responded to the scene when authorities received a call of a suspicious person walking around the gas pumps.

Responding Officer Earl Cox arrested Morrow and formally charged him with felonious breaking and entering, felonious larceny after breaking and entering, felonious possession of burglary tools and misdemeanor damage to property. Authorities said further charges may be forthcoming.

Morrow is currently in the Ashe County Jail under a $35,000 secured bond and made his first appearance in court on Friday.