Indy Police Nab So-Called 'Cigarette Bandit'

INDIANAPOLIS --

Indianapolis police have arrested the so-called "cigarette bandit," suspected in at least 10 business break-ins.

Steven McDaniel, 37, waited only a few hours after he was released from prison on Dec. 31 before committing another crime, police said.

Investigators said McDaniel broke into 10 convenience stores and gas stations in 12 days, stealing only cigarettes, some by the caseload.

"We were chasing him every night," said Det. Kurt Rincker. "He was, pretty much every night, (burglarizing) and at least one or two businesses … So, every night, we'd have to chase him somewhere else."

McDaniel was being held at the Marion County Jail on Thursday on $500,000 bond.

Police said he has two prior burglary convictions.

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