The Mansfield Police Department is currently seeking information about this incident. If you have information to share, contact Detective Terry Butler at 419-755-9791.
MANSFIELD — Braxton Daniels did his best to look on the bright side Friday morning.
“You gave me a day off. I get to take a nap today,” he said, addressing whomever broke the back door and stole the cash register from his downtown tea shop.
“You can try to slow people down, but it won’t. All you did was bring us closer together,” Daniels said.
The 101 Tea Company was among three downtown businesses with smashed glass doors Friday morning.
Lt. Robert Skropits of the Mansfield Police Department said law enforcement officials believe the break-in and attempted break-ins took place early Friday morning. He said the culprit may have used construction materials that were accessible due to the Main Street Improvement Project.
Daniels’ 101 Tea Company was the only business that experienced theft, but both City News and Richland Academy of the Arts were also impacted.
City News Owner Suzy Saprano said she has experienced a few break-ins during her four decades running a business downtown, but it’s been awhile since the last time.
“It’s always disheartening when stuff like this happens. We all work very hard down here,” she said.
“It’s kind of upsetting because of everything else we’ve been going through (with all the construction,) but it happens.”
Saprano said the damage to her front door will not impact City News’ operating hours. Richland Academy of the Arts is also open and the All Ohio Dance Festival scheduled for this weekend will proceed as scheduled.
‘We’ve got some good community support right now’
Daniels said Friday morning he hoped to reopen The 101 Tea Company later in the day or on Saturday.
Tea lovers can check the business’ Facebook page for reopening updates.
Daniels said he was grateful for the quick response of the Mansfield Police Department and its crime lab, as well as the support he received from the downtown business community.
“I had to replace my register. Nichole at Hamilton’s (on Main) got me covered there. I need a new back window decal. Skip at Printapotamus took care of me,” he said.
“We’ve got some good community support right now. Everybody’s calling and checking in. All the businesses downtown are checking their cameras.”
MPD’s Detective Terry Butler is leading the investigation. Members of the public who have information about the incident can reach him at 419-755-9791.
Community members can share information anonymously if they prefer.
