WILLIAMSBURG, Va. — Several vehicles were broken into early Wednesday morning in Williamsburg. Three men were arrested and charged with the crime.
Officers were sent to the 100 block of Sterling Manor Drive around 4 a.m. for cars being broken into. Police arrested 18-year-old Brian Jamel Smith and 20-year-old Corey Antonio Taylor Jr., both from Portsmouth.
Williamsburg police said a third person was able to get away. However, 21-year-old Jerre K. Phillips of Portsmouth was later arrested and charged with Conspiracy to commit Grand Larceny and Criminal Street Gang Participation.
Police found a ballistic vest carrier, firearm magazines, credit cards, and other miscellaneous items on the suspects. Officers also recovered three handguns that were stolen from another jurisdiction earlier the same evening.
“I want to thank our community members who noticed something suspicious and immediately called 911. This is a great example of community members being the eyes and ears for the police department. We work very hard to build a strong partnership with our citizens. This is an example of how much more effective we can be with the assistance of community members,” Chief Sean Dunn.
Brian Jamel Smith and Corey Antonio Taylor Jr. were each charged with:
- Grand Larceny
- Conspiracy to commit Grand Larceny
- Destruction of Property
- Tampering with a Vehicle
- Credit Card Theft
- Possession of Burglarious Tools
- Possession of a Stolen Firearm
- Criminal Street Gang Participation
Williamsburg police is asking anyone with information about this crime to call the Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.
Some of the items police collected from the suspects as evidence has not been connected to a victim. Anyone whose vehicle was broken into, please contact a local law enforcement agency and file a report.
Williamsburg Police Departement is also reminding residents not to leave valuables in their vehicles, especially firearms.
