Suspected burglar pretended to be employee

A Moyie Springs man remains in Boundary County Jail for allegedly admitting to police that he broke into General Feed and Grain in Bonners Ferry.

Robert Anthony Gross, 23, is accused of calling the store after hours on Saturday, Feb. 20, and identifying himself as a co-worker to employee Roy Ritz. Gross allegedly asked Ritz the location of the cash box. Gross then called back and asked Ritz how he could find the key.

Ritz became suspicious and said he didn’t know where the key was kept.

When store owner Victor Rae arrived at work on Monday, Feb. 22, Ritz shared his concerns with Rae. Rae noticed that $205 was missing from the cash box.

Bonners Ferry Police obtained a search warrant and discovered Gross made the telephone calls to General Feed and Grain, using his girlfriend’s phone.

It’s alleged that Gross broke into the store through a pair of double glass doors.

He will have a preliminary hearing at 1:30 p.m. Friday, March 12, at the Boundary County Courthouse.