Two Arrested After Attempted Break-In At Selma Tractor Supply

SELMA, N.C. – Two men were arrested after an attempted break-in at Tractor Supply late Saturday night led to a short vehicle pursuit and an extensive search involving officers, a police K-9 and a fire department drone.

Selma Police were dispatched to a burglar alarm at the Tractor Supply store at 1401 S. Pollock Street at about 11:59 p.m. Sept. 12.

The first officer to arrive spotted two suspects running from the business, police said.

One of the men ran into a wooded area while the second got into a gold Ford F-150 pickup and drove away.

Police said the pickup traveled south on South Pollock Street before turning onto Roxy Drive, where the driver was taken into custody following a short pursuit.

The driver was identified as Andre Campbell, 31, of Snow Hill.

Police said several objects were thrown from the pickup during the pursuit. Officers later recovered items including rubber gloves and a face mask.

Investigators said Campbell gave inconsistent accounts when questioned about why he was at the business.

Second Suspect Found After Search

The second suspect, identified as Donnell Ricks, 31, of Rocky Mount, was arrested following an extensive search of the surrounding area.

Selma and Smithfield police officers searched on foot. A Selma Police K-9 was deployed, and the Selma Fire Department assisted by using a drone to search from the air.

Store surveillance video reportedly showed the suspects cutting a large hole in a chain-link fence before attempting to enter the business.

One of the men claimed a third person had been involved. Police said surveillance video and other evidence gathered at the scene indicated only Campbell and Ricks were involved.

Police: Men Came Looking For Mini Bikes

During questioning, Ricks allegedly told police the two men had been in Rocky Mount before traveling to the Selma Tractor Supply with plans to steal mini bikes and sell them to obtain money for drugs.

Police said Ricks claimed they did not find any mini bikes and were attempting to steal other merchandise when officers arrived.

Campbell was charged with felony attempted larceny, felony possession of burglary tools, felony conspiracy, felony attempted breaking and entering, felony obstruction of justice, misdemeanor fleeing to elude, trespassing, injury to property, resisting a public officer and possession of up to one-half ounce of marijuana.

He was placed in the Johnston County Detention Center under a $50,000 secured bond.

Ricks was charged with felony attempted larceny, felony conspiracy, felony attempted breaking and entering, trespassing, injury to property and resisting a public officer.

He was also held under a $50,000 secured bond.