(Roanoke County, VA—July 29, 2018) On Saturday, July 27, at approximately 4:20 a.m., Roanoke County Police Department patrol officers responded to a report of suspicious persons tampering with a vehicle in the 4500 block of Summerset Drive in the Buck Mountain Road area of Roanoke County. Officers arrived in the area at 4:25 a.m. and began a search for the suspects and found several cars that had been entered.
At 4:32 a.m., officers on the scene heard a car alarm activate in the nearby Buck Run Apartments complex and proceeded to investigate. Officers spotted a black Chevrolet Impala trying to leave the apartments and attempted to block the car’s exit. The car evaded officers and fled onto Buck Mountain Road with officers in pursuit.
The Impala struck a curb at Buck Mountain Road and Eagle Crest Drive, taking out both front tires and ending the chase. The driver of the vehicle immediately fled on foot, but officers were able to detain the four passengers – a 20-year-old male named Tyrese J. HAIRSTON and three male juveniles, one aged 15 and two aged 17. Despite a search of the area involving a K-9 team, the driver of the Impala was not located.
Subsequent investigation concluded the occupants had entered 38 unlocked vehicles in the Penn Forest and Buck Mountain Road area, and stole items from many of the vehicles. Officers recovered several articles of stolen property, either from the Impala or from yards where property had been discarded.
Among the property recovered from the Impala were two handguns. One of the handguns was confirmed as stolen from the area. The origin of the other handgun is still under investigation. The Impala itself was reported stolen from Roanoke City. The case remains active at this time.
HAIRSTON was arrested for Larceny of a Firearm (felony) and three counts of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor (misdemeanors). The juveniles were released to parents or guardians. Additional charges for the suspects involved are pending.
Roanoke County Police is still attempting to positively identify the driver of the vehicle. Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call Roanoke County Police non-emergency dispatch at 540-562-3265.
The Roanoke County Police Department continues to stress the importance of people securing their property and LOCKING THEIR VEHICLES. Locking your car or truck is the single most effective deterrent against someone entering and stealing from your vehicle.