PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A series of break-ins in Northwest Portland, including three on Monday morning, have caused thousands of dollars in damages to local businesses.

In each case, the suspect used a rock to smash open the front door before sprinting toward the cash register. Police are investigating to see if Monday’s break-ins, as well as a similar break-in at the Porch Light antique store, are related. 

The break-ins began around 4 a.m. at the Oven and Shaker Restaurant on Northwest 11th and Northwest Everett. Later, the Blush Beauty Bar on Northwest 23rd Avenue was broken into. In about 12 seconds, the thief entered, took the cash register and headed out. Once outside, the suspect crosses path with another person. The suspect dropped the register and sprinted off. 

“It’s frustrating,” said Carrie Wilson, a worker at Blush beauty Bar. “I had to sweep for several hours and mopped and there’s still glass we have to get out of the rug.”

The break-ins weren’t finished. At about 5:45 a.m., the Sterling Coffee Shop on Northwest 21st Avenue was attacked. Like all the other break-ins, the thief used a rock to smash the window before taking the cash register. This time, the thief successfully took the register.

Aric Miller, the owner of Sterling Coffee, got to work shortly after the break-in happened. Then, he got a phone call — it was Chown Hardware, a business just around the corner. On their surveillance, they saw the thief emptying the cash register on their loading dock before leaving and walking away.

The break-ins have raised awareness with those businesses. Some said they’ll add loud, audible alarms. Other said they’ll add even more cameras. No matter what, the thefts are sending a message. 

“How do we protect our employees and perspective clients when our businesses are in an increased area of disruption?” questioned Kyle Chown with Chown Hardware.

The suspect was later identified as 63-year-old Melvin Lee Tillman. He was arrested Tuesday and booked into the Multnomah County jail on charges of 2nd-degree burglary, 2nd-degree criminal mischief and 3rd-degree theft. He was also booked on outstanding warrants.

However, by Wednesday, Tillman was released from jail.

Tillman was previously arrested in February for 3 other burglaries at Communion, Woof and Meow and Toadstool Cupcakes.