Involving the Roanoke Rapids Police Department's Criminal Investigation Division and the City County Drug Task Force, the arrests of Hakeem Deshaun Martin of Gaston and the juvenile resulted in 14 counts of breaking and entering a motor vehicle, attempted breaking and entering a motor vehicle, two counts of larceny, two counts of possession of stolen goods, breaking and entering and conspiracy, Chief Chuck Hasty said.

The charges reflect break-ins done in the early morning hours Saturday and investigation continues to determine whether Martin, the juvenile and Jimmy Isiah Williams, 17, of Gaston, are responsible for any of the more than 60 vehicle break-ins that occurred in the city last month.

Williams, who has not been apprehended, faces the same charges as Martin and tends to frequent the areas of Gaston, Creekside Court and downtown Roanoke Rapids, Hasty said.

The arrests of Martin and the juvenile occurred after Investigator Frankie Griffin discovered open doors on multiple vehicles in the Hunting Ridge Road and Old Farm Road areas, Hasty said.

Griffin called for assistance and the investigative division, task force agents and members of the police department's C-Squad responded.

Sergeant Mike Moseley discovered another vehicle which was ransacked. When he approached he discovered people inside another vehicle who fled.

Law enforcement set up a perimeter in the neighborhood which led to the capture of Martin and the juvenile, who has been petitioned to court on identical charges as Martin. The juvenile was released to the custody of a parent.

Martin was jailed on $15,000 bond and has a September 16 court date.

Hasty was pleased with the roving patrols that led to the two arrests and the identification of Williams. “It was a good, concentrated effort by all the officers involved.”

Despite the arrests, Hasty said in a statement, “I would encourage the citizens to still lock their vehicles at night, cut outside lights on or have motion sensor lights, and remove all valuables from their vehicles to prevent these crimes of opportunity.”

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Williams is encouraged to call the police department at 252-533-2810 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.