Alleged car break-in thief strikes again

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Wilmington Police said a man is facing charges in connection with some car break-ins, but this isn’t the first time he’s been in jail under similar circumstances.

Police said Justin Hunter Stroupe, 26, was arrested last night after 7 p.m. Police said they responded to the 1100 block of Stewart Circle after reports of car break-ins, saw Stroupe with a knife and ran off. They said Stroupe tripped and was arrested after that. He’s facing charges of breaking and entering of automobile, larceny and resisting arrest.

This is not the first time Stroupe has faced these kinds of charges. In January 2013, New Hanover County Sheriff’s deputies arrested Stroupe after two men chased him down after they say he broke into a car. Investigators then linked him to 11 total cases in the Bayshore Estates, Marsh Oaks and Middle Sound Loop Road neighborhoods.

Three months later, while on probation, Wilmington Police said Stroupe tried to kick out the window of a patrol car after they arrested him for DWI.

The NC Department of Public Service website shows Stroupe has served a total of four years eight months in prison and finished a parole term in September.