Talladega, AL – A 48-year-old Talladega man, Mark Alonzo Smith, has been arrested in connection with a burglary at Stampede Steakhouse in late 2024.
According to Lt. Dennis McDaniel of the Talladega Police Department, Smith was taken into custody on March 9 on a third-degree burglary warrant. His bond was set at $7,500, and he remains in custody at the Talladega County Metro Jail.
The burglary was reported on November 30, 2024, after the restaurant had closed. Surveillance footage captured the break-in, showing various stolen items, including:
White trash bags ($5)
20 rolls of toilet paper ($3)
Three gloves ($14.42)
Two wipes ($7)
A package of takeout boxes ($32.13)
A package of cups ($20)
A package of plates ($15)
A gallon of grill cleaner ($24.49)
A gallon of sanitizer ($32)
Authorities also noted that Smith has a pending first-degree theft charge in Calhoun County for allegedly stealing a 2019 Nissan Rogue from Enterprise Rent-A-Car in Anniston in late 2019. His criminal history includes convictions for vehicle break-ins, theft, and fraud.
Police are investigating whether Smith may be connected to a series of restaurant burglaries in the area, including Custom Pizza, Red Bowl, First House in Talladega, and the 77 Fish Market in Lincoln.
In Alabama, third-degree burglary is a Class C felony, carrying a potential prison sentence of one year and one day up to 10 years if convicted.