Teens arrested in Martin County thefts

Martin County sheriff's investigators arrested two teenagers last week in connection with a series of vehicle break-ins and thefts in the Pierce Mobile Home Park near of Williamston, a sheriff's spokesman said Monday.

Tyler James Friday, 17, of 2291 Garrett Road, Williamston, and Gary Anthony Brabble, 17, of 1347 Folly Road, Plymouth, were charged with 18 counts related to the eight break-ins, including firearms theft and car theft.

Friday was arrested the day after the break-ins, and Brabble was arrested five days later, a sheriff's spokesperson reported.

On Oct. 17, residents began to submit reports of the break-ins in the mobile home park, located off Garrett Road. As the reports increased, an investigator identified a suspect and began to seize stolen property, Lt. Drew Robinson said.

The recovered property included five firearms, tools and assorted electronic equipment with a total value of approximately $10,000.

Sheriff Dan Gibbs reminded county residents to remove valuable items from vehicles and secure them overnight, particularly from now through the holiday season.

The two suspects were being held in the Bertie-Martin Jail, Friday on $15,000 secured bond and Brabble on a $10,000 secured bond.

Anyone observing suspicious activity can report it to the Martin County Sheriff's Office at 789-4555.