A break-in in progress call led to other break-ins being solved and a metal theft case was solved Sunday by the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office and the Roanoke Rapids Police Department.

The break-in in progress call was at Harrison Street in Roanoke Rapids, according to Lieutenant Chuck Hasty of the sheriff’s office.

Roanoke Rapids officers Gordon Williams, S.R. Blythe and Sergeant Winnie Bowens surrounded the house and deputies Herbert Williams and C.E. Carroll, along with Detective Tyree Davis and Hasty were also at the scene.

The officers got Keyon Quarice West, 16, of Roanoke Rapids, and a 15-year-old juvenile out of the house without problems, Hasty said.

West was charged with breaking and entering, larceny of a firearm, larceny, possession of burglary tools and injury to property.

The juvenile was petitioned on the same charges and placed in a juvenile detention center.

The two boys, however, ended up facing more charges on other break-ins in the Harrison Street area following investigation by deputies, Hasty said.

West and the 15-year-old were also charged with breaking and entering of houses on Redwood Street and Highway 158.  Deputy Williams charged the two with two counts of breaking and entering, attempted breaking and entering, two counts of larceny after breaking and entering, possession of stolen goods and two counts of injury to property.

West was jailed on $15,000 bond and has a February 15 court date while the juvenile, after having one court appearance today, has another on February 17.

Metal theft

Meanwhile Sunday, Hasty responded to the Rock House Road area of Littleton where a concerned neighbor saw two people go onto property, allegedly taking metal.

Carzan and Jane Putney

Hasty said he allegedly observed Carzan Putney, 47, and Jane Putney, 57, with a car and trunk full of scrap metal. They did not have permission to be on the property and the husband and wife were charged with larceny and possession of stolen goods.

No bond information was available but they have March 16 court dates.

Hasty said he appreciated the cooperation of observant neighbors. “This goes to show that with all the extra eyes in their community it makes the law enforcement officers’ job a whole lot easier and keeps their community safer for everyone.”

Hasty encourages people to call the sheriff’s office or their local police department when they see something going on in their neighborhood.

More information on Community Watch can be obtained by calling Major Bruce Temple at 252-593-1015.