NORWICH – Norwich City Police are still searching for a man suspected of a rash of burglaries that swept the city overnight. At least seven separate businesses were broken into between midnight and 8 a.m. Friday. The suspect continued to burglarize businesses until police, while investigating a silent alarm, confronted the suspect, who averted officers and is still at large.

Several businesses were struck during this crime spree: B&D Pool & Spa, Mystical Touch, V.F.W, Cliff Ketchum’s Tax Service, The Colonia Place, Pires Flower Basket and Kroeger Insurance. While fleeing police, the suspect dropped some of the stolen property.

“Our crime scene investigator is working closely with the New York State Troopers crime scene investigators. It seems they are also investigating a burglary that may be connected to our investigation,” said Police Chief Joseph Angelino. “The suspect took items you could basically fit in your pocket,” said Angelino.

Police also discovered some physical evidence that was being processed but did not wish to elaborate on the specifics of the investigation. Angelino said that a few of the businesses burglarized had surveillance cameras and that they had obtained additional visuals of the suspect that would soon be released. Police also said they had a few possible witnesses to the crimes.

The suspect made forced entries to gain access to the businesses and created thousands of dollars in damages, Angelino said. “We are still trying to determine what was stolen and we do not have an accurate estimate yet,” he said.

The suspect is a white male, early 20s, medium or thin build, 130 to 140 lbs, clean shaven and has noticeable acne. He was last seen wearing a brown/tan Carhart cap, a long tan sweatshirt that hangs below his belt and dark colored pants.

Police are searching for a particular man who may have witnessed the crimes. They said a man was reportedly walking his dog in the area of the V.F.W. between 6 and 6:30 a.m. If you are the man in question or believe you may know who this man may be, contact the Norwich PD at 334-2424.