After a string of vehicle thefts and break-ins on Wednesday, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office officially charged a man later found in Wake County.

A release from the sheriff’s office said 33-year-old Christopher Lee Martin is facing two counts of larceny of a motor vehicle, one count of larceny of a firearm and four counts of breaking and entering a motor vehicle. Martin, who is from Benson, N.C., is expected to have charges from other jurisdictions arise as well, since he arrived in the area via Interstate 85 in what is believed to be a stolen Mercedes from Johnston County.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office said after the vehicle ran out of fuel in Orange County, Martin walked through woods nearby until reaching a neighborhood near Highway 70 E. From there, he allegedly stole an unlocked truck that had keys inside, drove the vehicle to a different area near Highway 86 and Highway 57 North, and abandoned the truck. Investigators said resident reported their unlocked Ford Mustang car being stolen shortly after and two other nearby residents later reported their vehicles being broken into.

Around 10 p.m. on Wednesday, Wake Forest Police officers reportedly found Martin asleep in a Ford Mustang, with a firearm also reported missing from the vehicle’s owner. Police arrested Martin and then transported him to the Wake County Detention Center, where he will be served with the Orange County charges.

“Obviously, no one should bother property that does not belong to them,” said Jeff Ray, a captain of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office’s Criminal Investigations Division, in the release. “However, the reality is, many criminals are opportunistic. An unlocked vehicle – especially one with the keys or a key fob inside – is easy to steal. We strongly advise people to lock their residences and vehicles. This is especially important if you have weapons, medication, or valuables inside.”

Martin’s secured bond at the Wake County Detention Center is listed as $30,000.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office said it is still investigating the case for more break-ins or crimes. Wednesday’s release said community members who may have information related to this case are encouraged to contact Investigator P. Gilchrist at 919-245-2928.

 

Photo via the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

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