WILLIAMSBURG — The Williamsburg Police Department (WPD) said that it is in possession of stolen property that was recovered earlier this month during an investigation into vehicle thefts in both the City of Williamsburg and York County.
According to a WPD news release, officers responded to the 400 block of Merrimac Trail on Sept. 1 at approximately 4:20 a.m. to a report of tampering with vehicles.
Once officers arrived at the scene they located a suspect vehicle and initiated a traffic stop.
Five individuals were discovered inside the vehicle when the officers made the stop, police said. The individuals were later identified as:
- Earl Thomas Dildy, 22, of Suffolk
- Yalaina Charlese Green, 20, of Smithfield
- Corbriel Nasir Chalk, 20, of Portsmouth
- Khalid Desha Strothers-Chalk, 19, of Portsmouth
- Karim Deshawn Strothers-Chalk, 19, of Portsmouth
The occupants of the vehicle were found to be in possession of items linked to previous larceny incidents involving vehicles in both the City of Williamsburg and York County, according to the release.
Additionally, WPD said flashlights, gloves, and a mask were found inside the vehicle and that one of the vehicle’s occupants had “admitted to illegally entering vehicles.”
WPD said all were charged with the following 13 misdemeanors:
- 5 counts — entering a vehicle with intent to commit any crime
- 4 counts — petit larceny
- 2 counts — Buy/receive stolen goods valued at less than $1000.00
- 1 count — possess or use any registration card
- 1 count — identity theft
WPD reminds residents that vehicles left unattended with keys in the ignition or valet keys inside the car are easily targeted by thieves, allowing for an easy theft or a joy ride by an inexperienced driver. It also notes vehicle theft or stealing property from inside vehicles commonly occurs in apartment complex parking lots or wherever large groups of cars are parked overnight.”
Similar situations that involve victims of theft from vehicles have been reported around greater Williamsburg this past summer. There have also been larceny incidents reported involving catalytic converter theft. In their recent news release regarding the larceny investigation, WPD provided tips to locals for when they leave their vehicle unattended:
- Do not leave valuables in sight.
- Close your windows.
- Turn off the ignition and remove the keys including the valet keys.
- Lock your car doors.
Anyone who has further information on this or any other crime should contact WPD at 757-220-2331. Tips may also be submitted anonymously through Peninsula Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP. Those who provide tips may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest.
If anyone has a claim to the recovered property, WPD asks that you contact Inv. Heather Ziegler at: 757-220-6238.
For more updates and information from Williamsburg Police Department, check out its Facebook page.
