Jeffery E. Whyte, 51, of Fort Dodge, has been charged with one count of second-degree burglary, a Class C felony, and one count of second-degree criminal mischief, a Class D felony.

Whyte is accused of breaking into the store, located at 1131 Market St., around 4:10 a.m. on April 12.

Gowrie Police Chief Patrick Monaghan said Whyte and a second unidentified man allegedly broke out the glass on the front door and forced themselves inside the store before fleeing.

An employee was in the store at the time, but Monaghan said she wasn’t hurt.

While the incident was originally reported as a robbery, Monaghan said the details of the case do not fit the definition of a robbery, and that burglary is a more accurate charge for what happened.

This is the second burglary case Whyte has been charged with. Shortly after the Casey’s burglary, Whyte was arrested in Pocahontas for trying to break into a car wash.

He is facing charges of attempted burglary and possession of burglary tools for that incident.

Monaghan said Whyte was in custody in the Pocahontas County Jail, but has since been released, and his current whereabouts are unknown.

He added that the investigation is ongoing and more charges are expected.

Anyone with information on where Whyte may be is asked to call the Gowrie Police Department at (515) 352-3800 or Webster County Crime Stoppers at 573-1444. Tips can also be sent anonymously online at wccrimestoppers.com or by texting “LEC” and the tip to 274637.