Man Arrested After String of Vehicle Break-Ins at Nature Parks

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office has arrested Lemone Octaviu Slaughter, 47, and charged him with several crimes related to a series of vehicle break-ins at popular local nature parks. According to the sheriff’s office, Slaughter has both Florida and Georgia driver’s licenses, multiple financial instruments with variations of his name on them and is wanted to similar crimes in at least three states.

The sheriff’s office said Slaughter’s first break-in around the area occurred on February 4 at Hollow Rock Nature Park near the Orange-Durham county line on Erwin Road. He allegedly stole a tote bag, wallet and a variety of financial instruments and identity documents “within minutes” of the driver parking their car and entering the trail system.

Officers soon identified a suspicious vehicle, a silver Chrysler Pacifica, after obtaining security footage from the park. The vehicle was then sighted at Brumley Nature Preserve in rural Orange County on February 6. An investigator who entered the parking lot witnessed Slaughter facing the rear window of an SUV with a window punch in his possession. He then jumped into the Pacifica.

Investigators arrested Slaughter for attempted breaking or entering a motor vehicle, then added an additional breaking and entering charge the next day, along with four counts of financial card theft in connection with the Hollow Rock incident. He posted a $20,000 bond on February 8 and is due in court on March 22.

“Thieves in cases like these target vehicles at trailheads, gyms, and other places where drivers would not want to carry purses or other heavy items with them,” said Orange County Sheriff Charles Blackwood. “However, leaving expensive items visible, even in a locked car, is a costly practice. Please secure valuables and sensitive identification documents in the trunk of your vehicle, or better yet, leave such items at home.”

The sheriff’s office urges anyone who is a victim of such a crime to immediately cancel financial cards, contact their bank and notify credit bureaus. According to the office, Slaughter’s thefts are similar to those committed by an organized crime group known as the Felony Lane Gang. Anyone who has been victimized or has information on these crimes is encouraged to call the sheriff’s office at 919-245-2960.

Featured image via Orange County Sheriff’s Office

‹

The Orange County Trial Over 2 Teens' Violent Deaths Begins. Here's What to Know

Three years after the deaths of Lyric Woods and Devin Clark in rural Orange County, the prosecution and defense will fully argue their cases.

Orange County Sheriff's Office Brings Two Dozen Additional Charges Against Durham Man

Orange County authorities charged Durham's Keshaun Christopher Byrd over a November string of break-ins along Red Hill Lane and Seven Springs Road.

Orange County Sheriff's Office Details String of Break-Ins, Larceny Charges Against 2 Teenagers

The Orange County Sheriff's Office formally announced criminal charges against a pair of 18-year-olds for a string of break-ins in November.

'Who Are We Targeting?': Unpacking and Examining Impacts of ICE's N.C. Operations

The Orange County community felt the impact of federal immigration officers’ presence. Weeks later, people are still unpacking their emotions.

Orange County Sheriff's Office Investigating Death at Nature Preserve

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the discovery of a deceased Durham man Friday morning. Investigators said in a release the body of Calvin Demond Smith-Taylor, 36, was discovered at the edge of a parking lot at the Brumley North Nature Preserve just before 7:30 a.m. Friday morning. The parking lot of the preserve […]

Orange County Sheriff's Office Arrests, Charges Alleged Construction Material Thieves

After sharing photos of suspects in a theft investigation, the Orange County Sheriff's Office arrested and charged them on Wednesday.

Orange County Sheriff's Office: Sex Offender Arrested, Charged Over Child Porn

An Orange County resident and sex offender faces several counts of sexual exploitation of a minor following an investigation by North Carolina law enforcement and Orange County Sheriff's Office.

Orange County Reports First Fatality From Storm; Shelter Opens for Flood Victims

As the area continues assessing storm damage and waiting for high waters to recede, Orange County opened a public shelter at Smith Middle School.

Orange County Sheriff's Office Arrests Second Man in Connection to Break-In, Theft

The Orange County Sheriff's Office announced charges against two Rougemont men on Monday following an investigation into a residential break-in.

Orange County Sheriff's Office: 1 Arrested, 1 At Large After Attempted Burglary

A Durham man is wanted by local law enforcement after an attempted break-in and burglary of an Orange County business, a high-speed chase and car crash during the early hours of Thursday, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. A release Thursday afternoon said the office took out six felony warrants against 24-year-old Erlin Lopez […]

›