Two teenagers arrested during a traffic stop Friday morning have been linked to two Smithfield business break-ins that occurred a short time earlier.
At 2:11am Friday, Smithfield Police responded to a burglar alarm at Zodiac Pawn Shop at 414 S. Brightleaf Boulevard. Officers discovered a window to the business had been shattered but no items were reported missing. Damage to the window was estimated at $1,000.
At 2:32am, officers were dispatched to an alarm at 95 Tobacco at 255 N. Equity Drive. $700 in smoking products had been stolen by the suspects before they fled. The intruders also caused $1,350 in damage.
A short time later, police stopped a vehicle in the 700 block of E. Market Street. The two occupants in the vehicle were linked by police to both break-ins, according to Captain R. Sheppard.
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. Both suspects were held on $30,000 secured bonds at the Johnston County Jail.
