Amari Smith : “Arrest made, 3 suspects at large in Sampson County fire equipment heist”

A fire station in North Carolina was left in a precarious situation after a group of four individuals broke in and stole crucial equipment, hampering the station’s ability to operate effectively. The incident took place in Clinton, where the Piney Grove Fire Department suffered a significant loss of equipment valued at over £70,000.

Suspect identified and Charged

Following the May 14 break-in and theft, the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office swiftly took action. One of the suspects involved has been identified and charged in connection with the crime. Lieutenant Marcus Smith expressed his anger at the perpetrators for preying on public servants and impeding their ability to serve the community.

Arrest of Suspect

Through surveillance footage, 22-year-old Amari Smith of Rose Hill was identified as one of the suspects. It was discovered that Smith, who was supposed to be under house arrest with probation in Pender County, had disabled his monitoring device. Felony warrants were secured for his arrest, and he was apprehended by an officer from the Clinton Police Department walking in the Eastover Terrace neighbourhood on May 17.

Charges and Additional Offenses

Following his arrest, Smith was charged with felony breaking and entering, felony larceny, and felony possession of stolen goods related to the Piney Grove Fire Department incident. Additionally, Smith faced charges for possession, sale, and delivery of marijuana in Sampson County, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in Craven County, and probation violations in Pender County.

Continued Investigation

While Smith has been apprehended, the other three individuals involved in the robbery are still at large. Law enforcement agencies are working diligently to identify and locate these individuals, as well as recover the stolen equipment. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Sampson County investigators.

Conclusion

The theft at the Piney Grove Fire Department not only resulted in a substantial loss of equipment but also disrupted the station’s ability to serve the community. The swift action of law enforcement in identifying and apprehending one of the suspects highlights the dedication of public servants to protect their communities. With ongoing investigations and efforts to recover the stolen gear, authorities are committed to ensuring the safety and security of the community.