Benson Police are searching for a suspect following several area break-ins targeting local businesses.
Multiple breaking and entering warrants have been taken out on Dantrel Ray Collie, 37, of the Dunn area, following a Benson Police investigation into incidents at five locations.
The first incident was reported at NC Farm Bureau Insurance along NC 242 on December 28th. The suspect smashed a window and rifled through the office. No items were taken.
A string of break-ins followed the incident at Farm Bureau.
On Friday, January 10th,, police responded to Wood’s Muffler and Auto Repair along the 1000 block of E. Main Street. A garage bay door had been pried open. According to reports, the suspect entered the business and stole a check from a cash register inside.
Benson Police responded to an active alarm call at Wood Pharmacy on North Johnson Street on Sunday, January 12th around 6:30pm. The suspect made his way inside the business and took several packets of candy on the counter, as well as the entire cash register. There was no money inside the register and no additional items, including pharmaceuticals, were reported stolen.
A short time later on Sunday around 7:00m, police were alerted to another active alarm — this time at Eastern Carolina Medical Center at Medical Drive off Highway 301. The suspect smashed a glass door to the pharmacy at this location, entering the building and opening three cash registers. A total of $100 in cash was reported as stolen from this incident.
On Monday, January 13th, Benson Parks and Recreation and the Benson Area Ministerial Association (BAMA) reported several vehicle break-ins at the Benson Civic Center on North Johnson Street. A Parks and Recreation truck had been opened and several tools were missing. A BAMA utility trailer was also severely damaged, as a result of being broken in to.
Benson Police were able to link a suspect, later identified as Dantrel Collie, through video captured at Benson Parks and Recreation, Wood Pharmacy, and Eastern Carolina Medical Center, and the recovery of items of evidence.
Collie’s last known location was in Harnett County in the Old Fairground Road area.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Dantrel Ray Collie of the Dunn area is asked to contact Benson Police at 919-894-2091 or by email at gpercy@bensonpd.org or crimeline@bensonpd.org. Information can be submitted anonymously.
