Police: 4 suspects tied to dozens of car break-ins arrested after leading chase

MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Police arrested four people tied to a spree of car break-ins, stolen cars, and stolen guns, they said Thursday.

The Mooresville Police Department said just before 4:30 a.m. Thursday, they were called to the Legacy Village subdivision for suspects breaking into cars.

Now, police are sending a strong message to anyone who thinks about doing it again in their town.

“Think twice,” said Assistant Chief Frank Falzone.

When they arrived at Legacy Village, police found four suspects driving away in a stolen 2018 Audi. Officers chased them until the car was unable to keep going, and they said that’s when all four suspects inside ran into the woods off West Wilson Avenue near Hillside Drive.

Mooresville police started searching the area and found three of the four suspects driving away from the Bradford Glenn subdivision in a stolen 2021 Kia.

“Three of the four individuals stole another vehicle,” Falzone explained.

Officers chased the suspects until their speeding car flipped while trying to get onto Interstate 77 South at Highway 21, police said. All three suspects got out of the car and ran but were quickly caught by police.

Channel 9 was able to obtain video of the large police presence at the scene.

The three suspects in the Kia were hurt in the crash and were taken to the hospital, police said. The fourth suspect, who was still in the woods near West Wilson Avenue and Hillside Drive, was arrested a short time later.

Police say the suspects were linked to “over 70 motor vehicle breaking and entering” cases, though a timeframe wasn’t given.

On Friday, Mooresville police identified the suspects and their charges:

• 20-year-old Ryshard Malachi Wingate of Albemarle - 11 counts of breaking or entering a motor vehicle, conspiracy, possessing stolen goods, carrying a concealed gun, and possession of marijuana
• 20-year-old Jalen Keyshawn Sanders of Charlotte - 13 counts of breaking or entering a motor vehicle, and conspiracy
• 21-year-old Jayquan Keyshawn Curry of Charlotte - 11 counts of breaking or entering a motor vehicle, conspiracy, larceny of motor vehicle, two counts of larceny of firearm, possessing stolen goods, and flee/elude arrest with a motor vehicle
• 19-year-old Tywon Antwain Tilman of Charlotte - 11 counts of breaking or entering a motor vehicle, conspiracy, two counts of larceny of motor vehicle, two counts of larceny of a firearm, and possessing stolen goods

A Mooresville police officer injured his head while arresting one of the suspects who was resisting, police said. The officer was treated at the hospital and was released. He’s expected to make a full recovery.

Police said they’re still investigating the crime spree but said the suspects are connected to more than 30 car break-ins, the possession of three stolen cars, and the theft of guns, all of which officers were able to seize.

“That’s crazy to be honest,“ said Justin Knight-Hernandez.

He’s up in that area every day and is just glad police tracked them down. He said he feels bad for the 30 victims whose cars were broken into.

“I believe that the people who are stealing the cars, they should think before they do this stuff ‘cause you’re not just hurting yourself, you’re also hurting the people who has those cars,” he said.

“We will not tolerate, we will not allow this community to be victimized,” Falzone said.

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