Two teens have been arrested and charged with three motor vehicle break-ins, according to the Roanoke Rapids Police Department.

Chief Bobby Martin said investigators believe the two teens, one from Rocky Mount and the other from Apex, may have acquaintances in the area. More charges are possible as the investigation into Marquez Brockington, 19, of Rocky Mount, and a 17-year-old juvenile from Apex continues, he said.

A mugshot of Brockington from the Halifax County Detention Center. Due to the 17-year-old being classified as a juvenile, there is no mugshot of him.

On Monday shortly after 3:30 a.m. officers with D Squad were made aware of two suspicious people walking through yards.

Officer C. Roberts and Sergeant D. Moore responded to the call and Roberts noticed a vehicle pull off behind him on Northside Drive.

Roberts turned and followed the vehicle to conduct a traffic stop. Roberts observed two occupants in the vehicle and when the driver turned onto Seventh Street from Park Avenue he made the traffic stop.

Officer D. Harrison and Moore assisted with the traffic stop and through further investigation it was determined the two were involved in motor vehicle B&Es.  

Harrison located a wallet, backpack, and laptop on the ground near the area where the car was seen sitting beside the road. 

The property was secured. As officers continued their investigation a person drove up to Harrison and said his vehicle was broken into and a handgun was removed from the glove box. The glove box was pried open.

Roberts located a handgun fitting the description in the suspect vehicle. There was other evidence located that led officers to believe there were multiple cars broken into in the area. Throughout the remainder of the day additional cars were reported broken into in the area.

Brockington was identified as the driver and was charged with possession of a firearm by a felon, three counts of breaking and entering motor vehicles, larceny of a firearm, possession of a stolen firearm, misdemeanor possession of stolen goods and driving while license revoked.

He received a $20,000 bond and a Thursday district court date.

The juvenile was charged with breaking and entering a motor vehicle, larceny of a firearm, and possession of a stolen firearm. He was placed in secure custody once petitions were obtained.

“The Roanoke Rapids Police Department continues to investigate these (B&Es) which could generate additional charges. We encourage anyone that notices their vehicle gone through or anything missing to report this even if there was no damage.”

Martin commended the officers of D Squad “for a job well done. We also want to thank the alert citizen who made us aware by noticing the suspicious activity.”

Call the police department at 252-533-2810 to report these crimes.