Historic Clark County Venue Hit by Brazen Barn Break-In, Thief Steals Truck with Firearm Inside
A beautiful and historic local business in Clark County, Ohio, is on high alert after a brazen early morning break-in led to the theft of a work truck and a firearm. The owners of Whitetail Lodge, a popular wedding and event venue, are now working with the Clark County Sheriff’s Office to track down the masked thief caught on their security cameras.
The incident occurred in the pre-dawn hours of Tuesday morning, when the suspect reportedly broke into a barn on the lodge’s 64-acre property. Not only did the man manage to steal a work truck, but he also made off with a gun that had been secured inside the vehicle, according to the business.
The owners of the lodge, Barry and Tammy Laughlin, and their son, Robert Laughlan, discovered the shocking extent of the damage and theft the next morning. It appears the masked perpetrator went to significant effort to execute the crime. Robert Laughlan confirmed to reporters that the suspect also targeted the property’s maintenance equipment, popping the pump off a fuel tank to steal gas that was intended for property upkeep. The sheer force of the break-in was clear, with damage visible on the barn door, which had been pried open.
A Piece of Local History Targeted
Whitetail Lodge is more than just a business; it is a piece of local history. Built in 1865, the property was originally a family home before being converted into the Mitchell Hills Golf Club in the mid-1950s. The Laughlin family, who were neighbors, purchased and revitalized the sprawling grounds in 2020, transforming it into a picturesque setting for weddings and events. The idea that a thief would violate a property with such deep community roots has left the family and their neighbors shaken.
Security footage captured the masked man walking onto the back patio of the lodge. The video, which has been turned over to the authorities, shows the man peering into a window before looking directly at the camera and physically pushing it upward to obscure the view. He was out of sight for approximately an hour, a window of time during which the break-in, the gas siphoning, and the truck theft took place.
Fears Over Escalating Local Crime
The severity of this crime is compounded by the fact that the stolen vehicle contained a firearm, putting a dangerous tool into the hands of a known criminal. This incident also fits a concerning pattern of property crime that has afflicted the area. Clark County authorities have repeatedly dealt with waves of barn and garage break-ins, often resulting in the theft of valuable tools and vehicles, including pickup trucks, which are frequently used to commit additional crimes.
The Clark County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating the incident and is asking anyone with information regarding the break-in, the stolen truck, or the identity of the masked suspect to come forward. For the Laughlans and the Clark County community, the hope is that this dangerous individual will be swiftly apprehended before the stolen vehicle and weapon can be used in other crimes across the Miami Valley.