Local residents may be able to help bring conclusion to severalunsolved crimes in another southwest Mississippi county.

The Amite County Sheriff’s Department believes some arearesidents might know vital information about a string of burglariesand a hit and run.

“We’re hoping somebody can get us a lead to follow,” said DeputyBarney Ray Smith.

On Jan. 14 and 27, Feb. 12 and April 24, the Cross Road’sGrocery at the intersection of Highways 569 and 570 in Smithdalewas broken into and a few items stolen.

“Some money was taken, but it was mainly cigarettes andsmokeless tobacco,” said Smith.

He hopes maybe someone noticed suspicious activity while drivingby on those dates between the time the store closed and opened.

“Maybe we can jog somebody’s memory and they’ll remember seeinga suspicious vehicle or something,” said Smith.

A $1,000 reward has been offered for information leading to thearrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for theburglaries.

Anyone who believes they may can help solve the crime can callthe sheriff’s department at 657-8057 or 657-8606. Information willbe kept confidential.

Another case that has resulted in few leads is a hit and runthat occurred on West Homochitto Road on July 2, 2000, when Dr.Calvin Poole was hit and fell in a ditch on the side of theroad.

Poole, who has recovered from his injuries, could not recallmuch about the accident, but an investigation provided a fewclues.

By looking at vehicle pieces left at the scene of the hit andrun, deputies determined it was possibly a 1976 or 1980 Toyotapickup with damage to the driver’s side front, windshield and sidemirror. The color of the vehicle was believed to be grey orblue.

Poole’s family has posted a $5,000 reward for informationleading to the arrest and conviction of the person or personinvolved. Information, which will be kept confidential, may becalled in to the sheriff’s department.