Smithfield Police are investigating a third business break-in reported on Monday. An employee at Las Brasas restaurant at 1219 S. Brightleaf Boulevard reported someone shattered a glass door and made entry. The suspect or suspects stole a cash register containing an undisclosed amount of money. The break-in occurred sometime between midnight and 7:30am.
Police Chief Keith Powell said detectives have not determined if the Las Brasas burglary is connected to a 2:11am break-in Monday at the Zodiac Pawn Shop at 414 S. Brightleaf Boulevard or a 2:32am break-in at 95 Tobacco at 255 N. Equity Drive.
Police stopped a vehicle just before 3:00am Monday in the 700 block of E. Market Street and linked the two occupants to the Zodiac Pawn and 95 Tobacco break-ins. Demonte Avion Tinsley, 18, of Holly Branch Lane, Kenly and D’cota Mack Barren, 18, of AJ Lane, Selma were charged with felony breaking and entering and felony possession of burglary tools.
