Thieves Caught Breaking Into Vehicles In Stafford: Police

STAFFORD, VA—Two people were arrested early Sunday morning for breaking into at least 10 vehicles in an area neighborhood, according to the Stafford County Sheriff's Office. One of the people was a juvenile, and another person remains at large.

Michael Hamlet, 26, of Triangle, was charged with vehicle tampering, possession of a schedule IV drug, possession of burglary tools, conspiracy to trespass, conspiracy to commit credit card theft, conspiracy to commit grand larceny, conspiracy to commit larceny and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Shortly after 2 a.m., police got a call about three suspicious men walking down a street and looking into vehicles. They were said to be walking on Whitson Ridge Drive toward Hampton Park Road. When officers arrived in the area, near Whitson Ridge Drive and Jonquil Place, they he saw three people walking down the street and an officer ducked behind a vehicle.

When the trio got to him, he jumped out and shined a flashlight at them, after which they began running and ignored commands to stop. But one of then tripped and fell, leading to his arrest, and the juvenile was apprehended by another officer about 20 yards away.

Hamlet, who was wearing a glove and had a screwdriver sticking out of his pocket, admitted to breaking into about 10-15 vehicles that night. Police found drugs on him during a search.

Police spoke to several residents who said it was clear their vehicles had been rummaged through but that nothing appeared to be missing. Later, though, two residents reported missing wallets with credit cards, as well as a missing phone.

Photo: Stafford County Sheriff's Office