SPRUCE PINE – The Spruce Pine Police Department (SPPD) arrested and charged two people who allegedly vandalized three cars and stole one car and personal items from the vehicles several weeks ago.
On May 19, two cars were broken into and another car was stolen from the public parking lot at 89 Locust Street next to Hef’s Restaurant in Spruce Pine. On June 1, a vehicle was broken into and several items were stolen at Riverside Park in Spruce Pine.
Lauren Coursey and Kendrick Schwarting, both of 2431 Jackson Town Road in Spruce Pine, were arrested on June 17.
Both have been charged with felony larceny of a motor vehicle, four counts of breaking or entering a motor vehicle, three counts of financial card theft and 3 counts of misdemeanor larceny.
According to Captain Kasey Cook of the SPPD, the police department received a tip about the possible stolen vehicle spotted at some break-ins in town over the past few weeks.
The couple were caught after a stolen credit card was used in Buncombe County. The stolen vehicle was recovered from Asheville the same day of the arrest.
“I’m very grateful we were able to find the suspects and charge them for the incidents,” Captain Cook said. “We work very hard for the people in our community to let them know we are there for them and will do our jobs to catch people who commit crimes in the Town of Spruce Pine.”
Spruce Pine Police Chief Bill Summerlin said if there are other jurisdictions that have had incidents of vehicle break-ins that have not closed, they should contact Captain Cook.
The court date for Coursey and Schwarting is set for July 1, 2020.