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Teens arrested in stolen car connected to Iredell County crime spree, police say

The suspects have been linked to multiple break-ins reported in Mooresville and Statesville, detectives say.

IREDELL COUNTY, N.C. — Three teenagers who were arrested in Charlotte in a stolen vehicle on Wednesday have been linked to a series of break-ins in Iredell County, police say. 

Statesville police received a tip that a vehicle involved in a string of break-ins in Mooresville was spotted at a home on Charles Street. During the search, detectives found evidence they say linked the suspects to a spree of break-ins in Statesville, too. 

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During an interview with someone at the house, detectives determined one of the suspects was also connected to the robbery of the Food Lion on East Broad Street in Statesville Wednesday morning. According to the Statesville Police Department, a group of masked men confronted a clerk at the Food Lion and strong-armed their way into the cash register before running from the store. 

That vehicle, a 2018 Hyundai Elantra, was pulled over by Charlotte-Mecklenburg police after a brief pursuit, Statesville detectives say. Three suspects were taken into custody by CMPD. The vehicle was reported stolen during a breaking and entering at Dunkin Donuts in Troutman in December, police said. 

All three suspects were taken to the Alexander County juvenile detention center where they await trial. Two of the suspects are 16 and the other was 17. 

The suspects were identified and linked to numerous crimes after a joint investigation by police departments in Statesville, Mooresville, Troutman and Charlotte. 

Note: WCNC instituted a policy in March 2021 regarding the broadcast or posting of mugshots.  

WCNC will only air or post a mugshot if the person has been formally charged with a crime and in a few other cases. The exceptions include: If it appears the person could be a danger to themselves or others or if they are wanted by authorities; to differentiate between people with a common name; if the photos could encourage more victims to come forward. The news-editorial leadership may also decide to use a mugshot based on the severity of the crime(s) committed and/or the level of public interest in the crime and ensuing criminal proceedings. 

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