Using investigative skills to charge a suspect with breaking into homes led a Rutherford County Sheriff’s deputy to be honored as Officer of the Month for Ford of Murfreesboro.

Deputy Tony Grissom received an engraved watch from David Lee, owner and general manager of Ford of Murfreesboro for being named Officer of the Month for May 2013.

Photo ID David Lee, left, owner and manager of Ford of Murfreesboro, presented a gold watch to Rutherford County Sheriff’s Deputy Tony Grissom as Officer of the Month for May. At right is Patrol Capt. Egon Grissom.

Lee said he was honored to present the watch to Deputy Grissom and commended him for his actions.

“As the father of three girls as well as being a local business owner, it gives me much satisfaction and content knowing that law enforcement members such as these are patrolling our streets and keeping us safe,” Lee said.

Patrol Sgt. Bryant Gregory reported Deputy Grissom responded to a call of a woman who came home and found a burglary suspect inside May 23 on Birdsong Avenue. The suspect fled after trying to steal the woman’s checks and other items. The deputy responded to a similar call the previous day.

The investigation showed the suspect worked as a door-to-door salesman and allegedly used his job to locate homes to burglarize, the sergeant reported.

“Deputy Grissom was able to use his experiences on patrol, as well as sound investigative skills to think outside the box in a way that led to the suspect’s arrest,” Sgt. Gregory said.