Fourth teen in burglary ring turns himself into Rowan Sheriff's detectives
E-mail to a friendBy Sarah Nagem snagem@salisburypost.com CHINA GROVE — Authorities arrested the fourth suspect in a burglary ring Monday night, the Rowan County Sheriff's Office reported. Sheriff's deputies broke up the suspected burglary ring while looking for a runaway teenager and her infant child, officials said. Dustin Hartsell, 16, of 309 N. Moriah St., Landis, turned himself in to authorities around 10 p.m. Monday, Capt. John Sifford said. On Sunday, deputies arrested three other teens, including the young mother who had run away: Tina Austin, 16, of 135 Cedar Ridge Lane, China Grove; Timothy Wiseman Jr., 17, of 162 Kitty Lane, China Grove; and Derrion Crawford, 16, of 707 Valley Street, Landis. About 20 break-ins or thefts have been attributed to the group, and officials expect to file more charges. The investigation began in the first week of October, when sheriff's detectives responded to a call from the father of 16-year-old Austin, who had previously run away from her home with her child. The girl's father returned to his home at 135 Cedar Ridge Lane one day and discovered Tina Austin had forced her way inside and was stealing property. When he attempted to stop and detain his daughter, two men wearing ski masks entered his home and threatened Austin's father. The men left with Tina Austin and her baby. Detectives began trying to find the teen and identify the men, and a few days later, Austin's father reported another break-in at his home. Detectives finally collected information showing that Austin and her male companions were involved in several area crimes, including a series of vehicle break-ins. On Sunday, detectives searched Wiseman's China Grove home on Kitty Lane and arrested Austin and Derrion Crawford. During the search of the residence, detectives discovered numerous items that had been reported stolen from vehicles and homes in the Grace Ridge subdivision, Proctor Drive neighborhood and Salisbury Country Club areas. Items were also discovered that had been stolen from residential burglaries on Main Street in Landis and Old Beatty Ford Road in China Grove. The recovered property included laptop computers, vehicle GPS units, MP3 (iPOD) music players, cellular phones, video games, a compound bow, knives, book bags and pocketbooks. The detectives determined all four suspects had been responsible for crimes throughout Rowan County "and part of an organized criminal effort," officials said this morning. Most of the recovered stolen property has been returned to the victims, although detectives are still trying to find the owners of several other items. Sheriff's officials expect to file more charges, including possible child abuse and possession of drug paraphernalia, which was also discovered in the search of the Kitty Lane residence. For more on this story, check out Wednesday's Salisbury Post or continue to visit www.salisburypost.com. What do you think? Post your comment below. Comments
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SCARED : Thursday, October 16, 2008 6:41 AMDon't give credit if it's not due. Dustin Hartsell turned himself in only because he was alone without his buds, scared, and to dumb to hide.
Report Abusecitizen
who to contact : Wednesday, October 15, 2008 6:01 PMTo Don G. I had some items that was taken from me and I called Sgt Moose of the rowan county sherriff's office who broke this case. My items were returned to me. Hope this helps
Report Abusebess
The dont look 16 : Wednesday, October 15, 2008 5:03 PMsad.... they look twice that age.
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To the TRUTH : Wednesday, October 15, 2008 9:38 AMWell,well,well another armchair quarterback.I would say that he didn't have the weapon pulled out or that he thought he could beat just one officer on a foot chase,but we will never know what he was thinking. But what we do know is that he made a decision that cost him his life. If anyone of you think that Law Enforcement Officers go to work thinking that they are going to shoot someone that day is just plain "STUPID" in your thinking. Officers do not dictate the actions of a person,only that person decides what they will do. For every action,there is a reaction. If you think you would be able to do a better job,then go to Rowan-Cabarrus Community College and sign up for the Basic Law Enforcement Training Course and become a Officer.Most departments have a ride-along program that you can apply for. For everyone out there that thinks law enforcement officers are bad,then why in the world do you dial "911" when you are getting your butt kicked or robbed. The ones of you that are bad mouthing officers,what would you be saying if he got away from the officers and broke into an apartment and took one of your family members hostage or worst yet killed them,or car-jacked and killed the owner of the vehicle. You only see him as some one you love and you don't want to think he was capable of this,but the sad fact of the matter is that he made a decision that cost him his life. Maybe some of the people that knew and loved him will do everything in their power to speak to the younger people that knew him and get them to change the road they are going down. Help make a difference and a friend. Do not spread hate by spreading gossip.
Report AbuseFATHERBLUEGRASS
TO EASY : Wednesday, October 15, 2008 8:20 AMKNOW FOR SURE THESE FOUR WILL BE OUT ON THE STREETS RATHER QUICKLY AND WILL NOT HAVE LEARNED A THING AND WILL GO BACK TO DOING IT AGAIN CAUSE NOW THEY FOUND OUT HOW EASY IT IS TO GET OFF...
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Please know....... : Wednesday, October 15, 2008 12:27 AMI am the mother of one of these teens. And I have been dealing with this behavior for over a year. I apologize to all the victims believe me I have pressed charges 5 times for him breaking into my home. But as always he was a minor and they would not make the charges stick I did not get my things returned to me they are long gone. Once again I apologize. Maybe he can use the time in jail to think about what he has done.
Report AbuseEvenPeace
SparklePa and others : Tuesday, October 14, 2008 11:54 PMSparklePA, OK, he was your family member. First off, for the unfortunate death, you and your family are im my prayers. Sincerely. BUT, as a former law enforcement officer, what if the shoe was on the other foot. Lets face facts, not race, gender, or creed biased...but pure facts. If it was your family member behind the badge who confronted an armed suspect, and the suspect later fired shots, would you be as harsh towards the officers shooting the suspect? As unfortunate as it is, the officers involved did the right thing. If a person is willing to recklessly (pointing at people or in the air, or otherwise)fire a weapon, then that person has the ability, without forthought, to kill another human being. To that I say, If you pose a threat to me, my family, or any innocent person's health or life...you have offered yourself to the punishment of your actions. As the good book says...."an eye for an eye"! To the other posts: I could not agree more! The officers and deputies involved did an excellent job! AND...you are right. These individuals will get a slap on the wrist and be back on the street doing the same thing in a few months time. The fact of the matter is that our government is not focused on the important issues! Our federal, state, county, city, and town governments need a cleansing enema! In my opinion, we are all accountable. No more "We are oppressed because we are this race or creed.". No more "We are being held back by the government!". In a day and time where a true african-american can run for, and gain the majority of the popular vote (among both white and black voters * check Rutgers voting polls *), you can no longer blame anyone, including a race, creed, or sexual orientation biased government! Thanks to Senator Obama (Whom I am voting for!), you have nobody to blame for your being a sorry excuse of a living organism but YOU!
Report AbuseNance
Unfortunately : Tuesday, October 14, 2008 9:47 PMUnfortunately, no one wins in all of these events that have taken place this week-end in Rowan County. I use to work with Timothy Wiseman and I can not believe the path that he has chosen, but when you live by the sword you die by the sword!
Report Abusewondering why?
"the truth?" : Tuesday, October 14, 2008 8:45 PMI'm sorry to Sparklepa, but to my understanding (correct me if I'm wrong), your family member has a record for doing wrong? That doesn't mean he should have been shot, but if he was shooting at the police he was probably running and shooting. I agree with "Stella" that I will pray for EVERYONE involved.
Report Abusestormyweather
happy bunch : Tuesday, October 14, 2008 8:32 PMThey just look like a real happy bunch in the photos...LOL Glad they are off the streets for now, BUT they will be out with a slap and telling them not to do this again, YEA RIGHT. and what was this girl thinking hanging with these guys? she has a baby to think about!
Report AbuseDonald Gariepy
Break-ins off of Mount Hope Church Road : Tuesday, October 14, 2008 7:03 PMI read in your article that there is some unclaimed items that were stolen. I and the rest of the people on my street reported our vehicle break-ins and have had no info back from the police, I had a DVD player stolen out of my van. If the China Grove police have found it that would be great to hear from them. Sincerely, Don G.
Report AbuseBess
SparklePa : Tuesday, October 14, 2008 5:29 PMPlease enlighten me.... How many shots do you feel would have been appropriate?
Report AbuseThe truth
Stella : Tuesday, October 14, 2008 4:43 PMReading between the lines and trying so hard to understand hurts some of us. SparklePa is simply saying 10 TIMES IN THE BACK. It doesn't take a genius to know that she is questioning how he was actually shooting at SPD if he was shot in his back. Looks to us that he was trying to run and get away. Just like King said on another article, but same tragic if Simmons wanted to shoot the police why didn't he shoot the one that was alone at the door why run around the building and open fire. I hope SPD is clean this time, they have always been able to change situations to make it work for them. They will have to answer one day as well. I'll pray for everyone involved. And i mean everyone.
Report AbuseRoger D. Safrit- Alderman, Town of Landis
A Thumbs Up For RCSO And Landis Police : Tuesday, October 14, 2008 4:37 PMIts good to see that our law enforcement is doing its job. These wanna be gangs have been trying to terrorize the people of Landis and China Grove for a long time. I am glad that these people have been put behind bars. To all the law enforcemnt in Rowan keep up the good work. The Town of Landis is actually behind all of you.
Report AbuseA Dustin H8er
I agree with Seeing The Light : Tuesday, October 14, 2008 4:24 PMI agree Dustin Hartsell did do the right thing by turning himself, problem is its the only thing he's ever done right in his life!
Report AbuseSeeing the Light
Good Job : Tuesday, October 14, 2008 3:42 PMHe did the right thing by turning himself in. That is a first step in the right direction.
Report AbuseRed Ty
Losers : Tuesday, October 14, 2008 3:25 PMI am sure these losers will be back at in no time. They are losers and will always be losers.
Report AbuseStella Edwards
To SparklePa : Tuesday, October 14, 2008 3:12 PMActually, SparklePa, the police were perfectly justified by North Carolina law to shoot him in the back (if that is even how it happened). Police have a right to use DEADLY FORCE to stop someone who is trying to escape by means of a DEADLY WEAPON. End of discussion. IF you don't like that law, get your felony record expunged and vote for different legislators.
Report AbuseSparklePa
reply to kids : Tuesday, October 14, 2008 2:45 PMthe simmons kid as you called him did not deserve to be shot in the back 10 times maybe you need to get your facts straight. The Simmons kid as you called him happen to my family member. Maybe you should think before you speak and remember no matter what he did not deserve to be shot 10 times in the back. The key word is the back 10 times!!!!!!!!!
Report Abuseal
Thank you Salisbury Police : Tuesday, October 14, 2008 1:58 PMOur boys in blue are some of the best!
Report AbuseSam
: Tuesday, October 14, 2008 1:55 PMDustin was arrested last night. Good job to Landis PD for picking him up and the Sheriffs' Dept. for closing this case. (http://www.co.rowan.nc.us/GOVERNMENT/Departments/Sheriff/CurrentInmateList/tabid/983/Default.aspx)
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figured : Tuesday, October 14, 2008 1:24 PMI used to work at the South Rowan YMCA and that Derrion Crawford kid was one of the biggest trouble makers I've ever witnessed. He probably holds the title for being sent home the most. Don't worry, they'll get slapped on the wrist and back at it in no time...
Report AbusePaul Eversing
Kids : Tuesday, October 14, 2008 1:06 PMThese "kids" will get some silly sentence and will be out and about doing the same stuff and will end up like the Simmons "kid" and the cops will be blamed again. I know some have a bad seed and all the discipline will do no good. I hope these punks see the light so they don't end up dead in the street. Some just think they're so bad...
Report AbuseAngry Citizen
what low lifes : Tuesday, October 14, 2008 10:50 AMI am sure glad to see the guys caught as they have went through the Grace Ridge subdivision stealing and worrying lots of my neighbors. I can just look at them and see why none of them have a job. I hope the judge gives them as much time as possible!
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