A Roanoke Rapids man was arrested Sunday night after police received a report of a breaking and entering in progress at Schewels.
Interim Chief Bobby Martin said Justin Nowell, 34, faces charges of habitual larceny, misdemeanor possession of stolen goods, felony conspiracy to commit larceny, trespassing and possession of drug paraphernalia.
The events which led to his arrest began shortly after 8:15 p.m. when officers responded to the breaking and entering in progress call.
Officers received a description of the vehicle as they headed to investigate.
Master Officer R. Cross spotted the vehicle, which had merchandise in the back.
Nowell was taken into custody on outstanding warrants. He has an April 22 court date scheduled on pending charges of felony obtain property by false pretense, misdemeanor larceny and misdemeanor possession of stolen goods.
At Schewels officers could find no signs of open doors or forced entry.
Officer M. Hunsucker, however, went to the back of the area and found a Walmart shopping cart.
Aware suspects often push carts out of Walmart, Hunsucker went there to continue the investigation.
At Walmart Hunsucker learned there were two suspects involved. Martin said evidence showed Nowell took a TV from the store and loaded it onto a pickup.
Nowell received a $5,000 bond and April 3 court date.
At the police department Martin said officers discovered narcotics in Nowell’s possession. The narcotics will be tested and identified and drug charges will be lodged. The case remains under investigation.
Lieutenant Jeff Baggett and Officer Brandon Council assisted
Fictitious information
Martin reported on Saturday shortly after 9:15 p.m., Sergeant Terrence Tyler responded to the area of the 800 block of Virginia Avenue about a motor vehicle collision.
Tyler encountered a person pacing around the car.
Martin said the person, later identified as Juliann Dibernardo, 50, of Vermont, told the sergeant the wheel fell off her vehicle and that’s why she crashed.
When Tyler questioned her about license and vehicle information, Martin said Dibernardo was not forthcoming and he determined she was giving false information, including she wasn’t the person she originally said she was.
Tyler charged the woman with no operator’s license, fictitious registration plate, and resist, delay and obstruct.
She received a $500 bond and March 25 court date.
