Arrests made in home invasion

Published 12:00 am Saturday, September 29, 2007

MURFREESBORO – Good police work led to the arrest of four men shortly after they had forced their way into a home near here.

Shortly after 2 a.m. Thursday, a 911 call was placed to the Hertford County Sheriff’s Office to report a home invasion on Irvin Road.

Hertford County Sheriff’s Office Major Tim Lassiter and Deputy Allen Archer reported to the scene to find that two suspects had allegedly kicked in the door and entered the residence.

Upon entry, they found two young men sitting in the room playing a Playstation game. The alleged robbers entered the home with one carrying a sawed-off shotgun and the other carrying a handgun.

After demanding money, the suspects were told there was no money in the home. They proceeded to take a purse, two cell phones and several Playstation games, according to Hertford County Sheriff Juan Vaughan.

While the Hertford County officers were taking the information, Murfreesboro Police Department Officer Chris Firkel stopped a vehicle on High Street. He was assisted by Officer Joe Crisp.

“They stopped the vehicle prior to any information on the robbery being given out,” MPD Police Chief Darrell Rowe said. “They had no knowledge of the robbery when they stopped the vehicle. It was just good police work.”

Upon stopping the vehicle, the officers found four people inside the car. They also located the two weapons used in the burglary and the items which were missing from the home.

“This vehicle stop is just indicative of the danger officers face every time they stop a vehicle,” Rowe said.

All four subjects in the car were arrested and charged in the break-in.

Charged in the incident were:

* Dwight Jakari Walton, 16, of 201 Sessoms Drive in Rich Square was charged with first degree burglary, two counts of second degree kidnapping, robbery with a dangerous weapon and three counts of conspiracy. The Murfreesboro PD added charges of carrying a concealed weapon and possession of stolen property. Walton was placed in the Hertford County Detention Center under a $400,000 secured bond;

* Akeen Jermone Robinson, 16, of 121 Chief Street in Como was charged with first degree burglary, two counts of second degree kidnapping, robbery with a dangerous weapon and three counts of conspiracy. The police department added charges of possession of stolen property and possession of a weapon of mass destruction. He was placed in the Hertford County Detention Center under a $430,000 secured bond;

* Tony Madison Edwards, 21, of 637 Liverman Mill Road in Ahoskie was charged with conspiracy for first degree burglary and first degree burglary. He was charged with possession of stolen property and covering a registration plate by the Murfreesboro Police officers. He was placed in the Hertford County Detention Center under a $211,000 secured bond; and

* Donald D’Von Barnes, 22, of 5077 N.C. 305 in Rich Square was charged with first degree burglary and conspiracy to commit first degree burglary. The Murfreesboro PD added a charge of possession of stolen property. He was placed in the Hertford County Detention Center under a $210,000 secured bond.

All four men had their first appearance in court on Friday.

“I want to commend my officers and the Murfreesboro officers on a job well done,” the sheriff said. “This is another good example of officers working together.”

Rowe added his accolades.

“Both officers did an outstanding job and were able to get these people and these weapons off the street,” Rowe said. “I’m very proud of what they did and the citizens should be proud too.”