Staff report
Three Charlotte men have been charged with breaking into multiple cars at Dan Nicholas Park. Authorities say the men were also responsible for numerous break-ins in two other counties.
The Rowan County Sheriff’s Office charged Quanregious Damont Jetton, 28, of 3854 Bullard St., Anuneakas Arsintche Barnette, 27, of 1721-B Brooksvale St., and Otis Redding Howie Jr., 23, of 1807-C Griers Grove Road, with three counts each of breaking and entering a motor vehicle and larceny after breaking and entering.
The suspects were driving a white Dodge Charger they rented from Charlotte, Rowan County Sheriff’s Capt. John Sifford said.
The Dan Nicholas Park break-ins happened Sunday night. The thieves used something to pry the driver’s side lock to gain access into the vehicles. They mostly took electronic devices such as a GPS systems, speakers and a dashboard television, as well as a purse that contained credit cards and a checkbook.
It is unclear if the three vehicles broken into at Dan Nicholas were locked, Sifford said.
After leaving the park, the thieves went down the street to Hills Minnow Farm, where they used one victim’s credit card.
The victims were visiting the park from Mount Holly, Statesville and Troy.
Sheriff George Wilhelm advises people to not leave valuables in plain sight and to secure their vehicles.
Parks Director Don Bringle said he was aware of the incidents. He said there were vehicles vandalized in the parking lots near the lake.
“I am truly regretful for that taking place. I am thankful for local law enforcement apprehending those responsible for the break-ins,” Bringle said.
Sheriff’s Office officials say the men were involved in other break-ins in Burlington and Davidson County.
Burlington officials say the suspects were targeting high-volume shopping areas that provided easy access to Interstate 85 and Interstate 40, including a shopping center, a statement said.
Burlington Police officials said that sometime after 8 p.m. Thursday, nine break-ins were reported at Alamance Crossing. Five vehicles were broken into while parked at Carousel Cinemas, three while parked at Olive Garden and one while parked at Cracker Barrel.
Police identified a man driving a white Dodge Charger as a suspect.
Burlington Police advise motorists to take electronic devices out of an unattended vehicle.
“And even though the system may be out of plain view, some vehicles have been targeted because of the distinctive mark that is left on the windshield from a GPS mounting bracket, indicating that the vehicle may have an aftermarket GPS system in it,” a statement said.
On Sunday, six additional break-ins occurred at sites including a theater, restaurant and motel.
Deputies from Davidson County identified a white Dodge Charger and made a vehicle stop on I-85. During the stop, authorities found items stolen from the Burlington break-ins.
Burlington officers went to Davidson County for interviews and compiled a list of recovered items. The items in Rowan have since been recovered.
All three suspects are being held in the Davidson County jail.