Police say Ellis C. Battista broke into a conveniance store to steal cigarettes. (Las Cruces Police Department)
LAS CRUCES, N.M. – A New Mexico man is accused of breaking in to a convenience store for a pack of cigarettes -- but also making sure to pay for them.
Police in Las Cruces said Ellis C. Battista, 24, went to buy cigarettes early Sunday, but the business was closed.
Surveillance cameras show him pounding on the front door several times and then kicking and breaking the door's lower panel.
Police said he went inside, grabbed a pack of cigarettes and then made sure the cameras captured him leaving $6.
A witness called 911, and police say they found and arrested the man. He faces a felony charge of breaking and entering.
Damage to the store's front door is estimated at $800.
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