Juvenile arrested in connection to vehicle break-ins

LELAND, NC (WWAY) — A juvenile has been arrested in connection to several recent vehicle break-ins.

Officers with the Leland Police Department and Deputies with the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 1200 block of Maple Tree Drive just after 3:30 a.m. Monday for a report of people breaking into vehicles. When officers arrived, they say a person attempted to drive away in a stolen vehicle.

Leland officers utilized a drone and a Brunswick County K-9 team to locate suspects during the incident, and the department is still investigating the involvement of other potential suspects.

Law enforcement says the initial investigation shows the suspects broke into multiple vehicles at more than one location in Leland and Brunswick County. Additionally, they say the suspects stole one vehicle and were attempting to steal a second before being stopped by law enforcement.

A third vehicle, reported stolen out of New Hanover County less than a week ago, was also recovered at the scene and is believed to be involved as well, law enforcement says.

Detectives with the Leland Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division obtained a secured custody order for a juvenile suspect in this case. The juvenile was taken to the New Hanover Regional Juvenile Detention Center and is being held on one count of larceny of a motor vehicle.

Additional charges are expected. No suspect information will be released at this time due to the suspect being a juvenile.