Racine man accused of breaking into gas station to steal beer

RACINE -- 47-year-old Perry Brooks is charged with burglary of a building after allegedly breaking into the JD Petroleum gas station on 16th St. in Racine. Police say fresh footprints in the snow led them straight to Brook's home.

According to the criminal complaint, Brooks allegedly threw a stone in at the gas station's front window in order to gain entry. Police report Brooks only stole an unknown amount of beer from the gas station, which is worth far less than the glass window he allegedly broke before entering.

Racine police arrived on the scene and noticed fresh prints in the snow leading away from the gas station. Officers followed the prints to a home on the 1600 block of Morton Ave. Officers attempted to make contact with someone inside the house, but no one was home.

Gas station employees identified the person they saw on surveillance as Goldie, also known as Perry Brooks. Police advised employees to notify them the next time they saw Brooks near the store. This happened a week later.

As police arrested Brooks walking away from the gas station, they found about 10 oz. of marijuana on Brooks. The criminal complaint says Brooks told police he paid $50 for the marijuana. This resulted in an additional charge of possession with intent to deliver or manufacture THC.

If convicted of burglary, criminal damage to property, and possession of marijuana, Brooks could face up to 16 years and nine months in jail.