MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WZTV) — Murfreesboro police continue to search for a man accused of breaking into a bowling alley through its roof and stealing money from the business on the weekend.

Early Sunday morning, authorities said the suspect cut a huge hole in the roof of Lanes Trains and Automobiles on Butler Drive, climbed down with a rope inside and then stole money from a safe.

Surveillance video shows a masked man inside the bowling alley carrying a hammer and an indiscreet tool. Murfreesboro police said he entered and stole about $1,500 from the ATM and playing card reloading machine.

“I’m very shocked, I’m very surprised,” said Reba Otto. She said her grandson bowls there.

“It’s very unfortunate for this bowling alley and what they’re trying to do for the kids and have a league here,” she said.

The Murfreesboro Police Department said the break-in happened just before 3 a.m. Sunday. He said someone who works at the bowling alley noticed the break around 7 a.m.

“Once officers arrived at the scene they noticed a large hole had been cut into the roof of the building. There was a rope that was still tied to where, apparently the thief rejected the rope. He ended up punching a hole in the drywall that was directly in line with the ATM,” said Murfreesboro Police spokesman Larry Flowers.

He said police were working to determine if this was an isolated incident.

“This was a bold, reckless, well thought out, well, planned burglary and our number one priority is to get this person off the streets before they have the opportunity to strike again,” he said.

The bowling alley is open to the public, but community members are still in disbelief.

“It’s pretty sad and I hope they catch the guy,” Otto said.

The owner declined to comment.

Detectives said the thief appears to be a male, about 6 feet tall, weighing about 170 pounds. The thief wore a green camouflage balaclava to cover his head and face, a black jacket, blue jeans, brown leather square-toed boots, gloves and carried a black backpack.

If you have any information on who this person may be, contact Detective Aaron Gonzalez at 629-201-5638.

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