Sheriff Darren Campbell stated on Sunday November 5th, the Sheriff’s Office began receiving numerous reports of vehicle break-ins occurring during the late night hours in the area of Hickory Highway and Ashbrook Drive in western Iredell County. Deputies arrived on scene and began searching for suspects and witnesses. Detectives and Crime Scene investigators were called into assist in collecting evidence. Numerous potential witnesses were interviewed in attempts to gather leads in the case.
On Friday, November 10th around 1:30 am Iredell County Sheriff Deputies responded to the area of Bethlehem Road near the Statesville Airport after a homeowner was awakened by a car alarm going off. Deputies quickly arrived and determined that there had been a second wave of vehicle breaking and entering’s.
In this case Deputies were able to determine the suspects were most likely still in the area. A perimeter was established to contain the suspects who were believed to be on foot. Deputies continued to work on the information they had were able to corner the suspects in a wooded area. The suspect once cornered ran on foot but Deputies were able to capture three men. It is possible other suspects eluded capture.
Of the three people taken into custody two were Juveniles one 14 and the other 15. The third suspect was identified as 16 year old Aaron Dequan Whittmore of 945 Park Drive, Statesville. Whittmore was transported to the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office along with the two juveniles where they were interviewed by Detectives.
As a result of the investigation and all the information gathered from November 5th and 10th it was determined that the same group of people were responsible for the crimes from both days. The combined effort of Detectives and Deputies resulted in. Aaron Dequan Whittmore being charged with 55 counts of Felony Breaking and Entering Motor Vehicle, 4 counts of Larceny of Firearm, and 12 counts of Misdemeanor Larceny. Juvenile Petitions are being sought against the 14 year old and 15 year old for the same offences. Aaron Whittmore was held under a $50,000.00 secured bond. The investigation is still ongoing and additional charges are possible
In these cases all indications are that the suspects simply went to various developments and looked for unlocked vehicles they believed contained valuables. The Iredell County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind citizens that it’s a good idea to keep their vehicles locked and all valuables out of sight.