A late-night string of attempted and successful car break-ins in Troutman ended with one man in custody after officers tracked a suspect down within blocks of the first reported incident, police said.
On Tuesday at about 10:20 p.m., Troutman officers responded to a report of an attempted breaking and entering into a motor vehicle in the 100 block of Wheelwright Way. Deputies located a suspect a short distance away and he was taken before a magistrate, according to police. Investigators later discovered additional vehicles that had been broken into in the nearby Colonial Crossing neighborhood.
What Police Say
According to a Facebook post by the Troutman Police Department, officers identified the suspect as 31-year-old Semaj Anderson of Troutman and arrested him after the initial stop. The post states that Anderson was charged with misdemeanor attempted breaking and entering into a motor vehicle and was initially given a $1,000 secured bond. Warrants served the following day increased his bond to $30,000 secured.
Detectives obtained warrants charging nine counts of felony breaking and entering into a motor vehicle and three counts of larceny, the department added. The multiple felony counts correspond to separate vehicles or incidents, according to the charging documents cited by police.
Legal Context
North Carolina law addresses breaking or entering into motor vehicles under G.S. 14-56 and larceny under G.S. 14-72, with penalties that depend on circumstances and the value of property taken, per the North Carolina General Assembly. That framework allows prosecutors to file separate counts for different vehicles or incidents, which helps explain the multiple felony counts listed in the warrants.
What Neighbors Should Know
The Troutman Police Department urged residents to lock their vehicles, remove valuables and stay alert, noting that officers canvassed the affected neighborhood to identify additional victims and gather evidence. Anyone with dashcam footage, doorbell video or other information related to the break-ins was asked to contact Troutman police. The department reminded the public that emergencies should still be reported to 911.
To report tips or find contact details, residents can visit the Troutman Police Department page on the town's website at Troutman Police Department. The department is based at 400 N. Eastway Drive in Troutman and handles non-emergency questions on its administrative line.
