Suspects sought in Cole County business burglary

Authorities are looking for suspects in connection with an early morning burglary at a Cole County business.

On Monday at approximately 5:30 a.m., Cole County Sheriff's Department deputies responded to Bee Line Snack Shop at 5114 Old Lohman Road to investigate a burglary.

The clerk was already at the store preparing to open. After getting prepped, but before she opened the store, she went to her car to take a break. She heard a loud noise of someone trying to break the driver's window of her car. Then, a subject tried to open her car door. The clerk immediately put the car in reverse, left the lot and called 911

After the clerk left the lot, the subjects used a rock to break the glass in the front door of the store and gained entrance. Three subjects entered the store and took several items including cigarettes, whiskey and tequila. They were in the store less than a minute

The first subject was described as a black male wearing plaid shorts, dark shirt with a red bandana over his face. The second subject was a described as a male, unknown race, with white pants and a white hoody. The third subject was described as a male, unknown race, with dark pants and a gold hoody.

The suspects had fled by the time the Cole County Sheriff's Department and the Jefferson City Police Department arrived.

Some of the suspects were seen fleeing between houses on Charm Ridge Drive, but none could be located.

Anyone with information is urged to call the Cole County Sheriff's Department at 634-9160.

The Jefferson City Area CrimeStoppers has also issued a $500 reward for information leading to an arrest. If you want to remain anonymous, you can call 659-TIPS or go to www.jeffcitycrimestoppers.com.