Orange County Sheriff’s Office Announces Arrest in 25-Plus Break-Ins

Orange County authorities have arrested a man suspected in more than 25 break-ins across five counties.

Investigators with the Orange and Durham county sheriff’s offices and members of the Durham Police Department located and arrested 31-year-old Leron Kelly Owens around 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, according to a release from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

Owens was spotted driving a Mazda Protégé on Faucette Avenue in Durham, according to law enforcement; he then “attempted to elude” authorities before eventually fleeing the vehicle on foot.

Law enforcement found Owens “hiding in a warehouse” in the area, and he was taken into custody without further incident. Owens was turned over to Alamance County authorities and is “currently being processed on multiple charges.”

Owens and another suspect – 27-year-old Andre Marquis Owens – were arrested by Orange County authorities last week and were released on bond, according to law enforcement.

“Cooperation and team work among law enforcement agencies are always important; however, that was even more evident today,” Orange County Sheriff Charles Blackwood said in a release. “Without this assistance, an individual suspected in approximately 25-30 break-ins in Orange County alone over a three-month period would still have the opportunity to deprive hard working residents of their property and sense of security in their homes.”

Law enforcement officials said the stolen property in the break-ins consisted primarily of cash, weapons and jewelry.

Authorities said additional arrests are expected.

Anyone with additional information regarding the string of break-ins is asked to contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Office at (919) 245-2900.

Photo via Orange County Sheriff’s Office