Shortly after 5:00 AM, deputies responded to a burglary alarm at the Black Cat Grocery in Independence, where upon arrival they found a brick had been thrown through the front door. As detectives began investigating, it was discovered the suspects stole $5,000 along with 270 cartons of cigarettes. Of the cigarettes, 180 were loose cartons and three remaining 90 were split between three cases.

Security footage from the store captured a vehicle of interest parked at the gas pumps several hours before the burglary. The vehicle in question is a gray Toyota car, possibly a Corolla, and had no license plate.

Chief Jimmy Travis is asking anyone with knowledge of the incident or the vehicle to contact Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa, Inc. at 1-800-554-5245. Detective Anthony Stewart is the lead investigator in this incident.