Police catch suspects

By Jay Almond, News Editor

Thursday, May 15, 2008 May 16, 2008 07:50 am

— Twice Monday night when Albemarle residents answered calls at their doors, two people busted their way inside the homes and stole money and valuables.
After the second of the home invasion-style burglaries, officers with the Albemarle Police Department (APD) located the suspect vehicle in the area of the crime and stopped it.
That suspicious vehicle stop led to the arrests of Eric Michael Smith, 28, of 135 Thomas Ave., Oakboro, and Crystal Gail Hopkins, 24, of 28127 Eds Ave., Albemarle.
The first incident took place around 10:30 p.m. at 310 Groves Ave. and the second about 1:15 a.m. at 606 Montgomery Ave.
Smith and Hopkins each face multiple felony charges, including two counts each of first degree burglary and one count each of felony larceny.
Both suspects remain behind bars in the Stanly County Jail, held under $25,000 bond each, and are slated to appear in court June 2.
Jay Almond can be contacted by email at snaponline21@carolina.rr.com.

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