Jacksonville police arrested a man early Thursday morning on breaking-and-entering charges following reports of vehicle break-ins and dumped stolen vehicles in the area of Williamsburg Parkway.
Police were actively patrolling the area of Williamsburg Parkway, near Western Boulevard, around 2 a.m. Thursday morning when an officer observed three people wearing dark-colored hoodies pulled over their heads, one of whom was also wearing a ski mask, said Sarah Sinese, public affairs coordinator for the Jacksonville Police Department.
After being informed of recent vehicle break-ins and dumped stolen vehicles around the area, the officer attempted to speak with the three people but they fled on foot.
After a foot pursuit, all three were apprehended, and it was discovered that one of them, 19-year-old Jordan Lewis, of Jacksonville, was in possession of a concealed firearm and also had five felony warrants, Sinese said. The other two were juveniles who have since been released to their parents.
Lewis was arrested on the warrants and also charged with misdemeanor resisting a public officer, carrying a concealed gun and two counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. He is being held in the Onslow County jail without bond.
The investigation is ongoing.
Residents are also encouraged to lock their car doors, remove any valuables, close their garages and turn on exterior lights by 9 p.m. each night in order to deter theft.