FOUR OAKS – The Four Oaks Police Department. with the assistance of the Smithfield Police Department, conducted a search warrant early this morning (Monday) at 201 Temple Street, in the Four Oaks city limits.
Police Chief Stephen Anderson said it followed an investigation into several weekend car break-ins.
Between Friday night and Sunday night, four victims reported five car break-ins in the Baker Street area. A firearm was the only item reported stolen from one of the vehicles.
Police developed leads in the case and early Monday morning arrested Keenan Surles at a boarding house on S. Baker Street. Surles has been charged with one vehicle break-in, where the gun was stolen. He is a suspect in the other four break-ins as well.
Surles reportedly told police he traded the stolen gun for illegal narcotics at 201 Temple Street in Four Oaks.
Police obtained a search warrant this morning for 201 Temple Street. As officers arrived and began surrounding the home, and just before making entry, Kirk Domonique Pitts, 40, of 201 Temple Street, was reportedly witnessed by Chief Anderson tossing the stolen gun out the back door.
Police retrieved the stolen handgun from the backyard and made entry. Inside the home, police said they seized a small amount of marijuana, packaging materials, and a digital scale.
Pitts was charged with possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of a stolen firearm, and drug offenses.
Surles was charged with breaking and entering a motor vehicle, possession of a firearm by a felon, and larceny of a firearm.
Additional charges have not been ruled out.
Chief Anderson praised his officers for the arrests. “These guys did a great job.” He also thanked the Smithfield Police Department for their assistance.
So proud of our Law Enforcement Officers. Thoughts and prayers.