HAMPSTEAD, N.C. (WECT) – The Pender County Sheriff’s Office is searching for two men who fled from a vehicle crash near Long Leaf Drive and U.S. 17 in Hampstead. Officials believe that they and two others were searching for unlocked vehicles and stealing from them.
The investigation began after officials heard reports of vehicle break-ins and larcenies near Country Club Road during the night on Thursday, May 12. Deputies noticed two vehicles drive recklessly and run a stop sign. The two vehicles attempted to flee police, but one of them crashed near the intersection of Long Leaf Drive and U.S. 17. The car’s occupants then ran away on foot and are described by the PCSO as follows:
The driver was described as a tall, (6′), thin build, black male wearing a white T shirt and blue jeans. The passenger was described as a tall(6′) thin build black male wearing a dark colored hoodie and dark color jeans. Both subjects had short hair.
Officials believe one of them may have a 9mm handgun which was stolen earlier in the night.
As for the other vehicle, deputies located it at the Scotchman Store on 24 Country Club Road. The vehicle was reported stolen out of Craven County, and deputies apprehended the two people from the vehicle early Friday morning.
Neighbors along Country Club Dr. say that these type of break-ins have been seen before.
“I guess it was about three years ago, I did leave my car open and it was gone,” Hampstead Resident Michael Kaufmann said. “I lock my car now. It’s a utopian area, it’s very peaceful and quiet. It’ll never happen here. Well, it happened.”
The PCSO asks anyone with relevant information to call them at (910) 259-1212.
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