MURFREESBORO, Tenn - Murfreesboro Police Department (MPD) detectives arrested two masked men for allegedly stealing thousands of dollars' worth of Magic: The Gathering cards from a local comic store on September 24.
Phillip Clodfelter, 42, of Huntsville, Ala., and Kelly Garner, 64, who is reported as homeless, broke into Grand Adventures Comics and Games on Memorial Blvd. by shattering the glass front door on Tuesday night, according to MPD Public Information Officer Larry Flowers. The duo made off with approximately $8,000 worth of collectible game cards. They now face multiple charges, including burglary, theft, and vandalism.
Authorities reported that Clodfelter and Garner also attempted a second break-in at Grand Slam Collectibles on NW Broad Street that same night but failed to enter. On surveillance footage, two subjects were captured on video wearing distinctive masks—one resembling Michael Myers, the other a nun mask from the movie The Town. The video also identified their getaway car, a red Honda.
Smyrna Police officers later stopped the car for erratic driving after MPD issued a BOLO (Be On the Lookout). Smyrna Police officers spotted the masks and the stolen cards in plain sight during the stop. MPD detectives subsequently interviewed, charged, and arrested the men.
Detectives also suspect Garner and Clodfelter of involvement in similar burglaries targeting comic stores in Brentwood and Nashville. Both men were transported to the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center booked under a $48,000 bond.
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