Grantham break-ins
By Jack Stephens
Published in News on February 18, 2004 1:58 PM
Two employees at Grantham Supply saw a couple walking Tuesday behind the store with bags and went outside to check on them. The couple ran away.
Ted Grantham, also a Grantham volunteer fire chief, chased and caught the man, and Reggie Davis chased and caught the woman. Both were detained until sheriff's deputies arrived.
The man and woman were charged with eight felony counts each in connection with residential break-ins and the theft of about $30,000 in property in southern and southwestern Wayne County.
Thumm
Michael Brandon Thumm Jr., 22, and Samantha Renea Williams, 20, both of Sandhill Drive, were charged with four felony counts each of breaking and entering and larceny. Each was placed in the Wayne County Jail in lieu of a $40,000 secured bond.
Grantham said his sister saw the couple walking at about 1 p.m. behind the store and said they had bags.
"I went outside, and they came out running from behind the building," Grantham said. "Reggie and I took off after them. The girl split up from the man and ran into the woods. The man went behind the Fire Department."
Williams
Grantham caught Thumm, and Davis caught Ms. Williams. Grantham said neither resisted and neither was armed.
During the brief chase, Grantham said, his father called 911 for help, and deputies arrived within a few minutes.
Grantham downplayed his role in the apprehension. But he said, "We have some excitement out here every once in a while."
Sheriff's Lt. Tom Effler said today that he thought the couple had been tipped that they were wanted and were trying to flee.
Sheriff's Capt. George Raecher said detectives had received information that led them to the suspects.
The break-ins occurred Feb. 9, 11 and 12 on Mill Loop and Loop roads in Grantham and on Country Club and Club Knolls roads near Mount Olive. A small amount of stolen property has been recovered, Effler said.
The lead investigator, Detective Sgt. Ray Brogden, was assisted by Effler, Detective Sgt. Mike Kabler, Cpl. Richard Blizzard and Deputy Randy Thompson in the case.
Thumm and Ms. Williams were to have their first court appearance today to determine their legal representative.