LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Louisville police arrested a man nicknamed the "Nicotine Bandit" after he allegedly burglarized a Family Dollar in the Portland neighborhood multiple times.
According to Louisville Metro Police, 37-year-old Michael Belton stole packs of cigarettes from the store Monday morning before it opened.
Police said he's taken "a ton of cigarettes" from the Family Dollar over multiple occasions.
Officers reviewed surveillance footage and later spotted him walking nearby wearing the same clothing seen on camera.
When officers approached, Belton ran, leading to a quick foot pursuit before police took him into custody.
Investigators said Belton later admitted he recognized himself in surveillance images previously shared on social media and knew he would be caught.
Belton faces multiple charges, including five counts of first-degree burglary, along with trespassing and fleeing police.
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