AHOSKIE – An Ahoskie teenager was arrested early Wednesday morning following the break-in of a motor vehicle.

Ahoskie Police Chief Troy Fitzhugh reported the arrest of 19-year-old Justin Quinshawn Harrell of Hill Street.

Harrell, jailed under a $27,500 secured bond, was charged with two felonies – breaking and entering a motor vehicle and larceny from a motor vehicle – and five misdemeanors – damage to personal property, possession of stolen goods, possession of beer or unfortified wine by a 19-to-20 year-old, resist, delay and obstruct a government official and littering.

Harrell is scheduled to make his first court appearance on Friday.

Chief Fitzhugh said the arrest came following a call from a citizen who reported two suspicious males walking down a portion of Martin Luther King Drive carrying bags.

“We thank that citizen for being so observant,” Fitzhugh said. “We would urge any of our citizens to call us if they see any type of suspicious activity.”

Upon arriving at the scene, Ahoskie Police officers saw two subjects. One, later identified as Harrell, was detained while the other ran.

“We are still seeking the subject who fled the scene,” Fitzhugh said, adding that the person dropped some evidence that was collected and is being analyzed.

Fitzhugh also reported a break-in of a residence on Tuesday night. However, the homeowner apparently “spooked” that person or persons away from their property.

“We are investigating that residential break-in,” Fitzhugh said. “It’s still unclear at this point if it was related to the vehicle break-in.”

In regards to the recent rash of break-ins, Fitzhugh offered some words of advice.

“Please remove all valuables from your vehicles and lock the doors,” he urged. “Also, I would advise homeowners to leave outdoor lights burning at night if possible. Thieves like to hide in the dark. I would also encourage citizens to make sure their windows and doors are locked.”