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5 arrested in connection with breaking and entering incidents

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Five people were arrested in connection with a incident of breaking and entering, according to officials.

Detectives have charged Larry Thomas,17,  Marlow Johnson, 26, Nico Benn, 18, Tyrell Brace, 16, and Milton Dunlap, 16, for their roles in the case.

"We heard the helicopter way before we saw anything," said Letia Ramsey, from south Charlotte.

Ramsey said she heard the police helicopter and the sirens as officers chased and searched for four breaking-and-entering suspects. But she never imagined the SUV that law enforcement was after would end up in her back yard.

"All we heard was the whole kaboom, and then next thing you know we saw trees flying and people running and police running," said Ramsey.

Police said a black SUV was seen leaving burglary scenes Tuesday morning. The police helicopter tracked the SUV and officers, then state troopers, tried to pull it over.

CMPD said the suspects wouldn't stop, leading troopers on a short chase.

Police said that in the course of that chase, some of the suspects jumped out of the SUV and ran. CMPD said at least one suspect ran into a home, but officers were able to arrest all five suspects.

While the search ensued, Nations Ford Elementary was put on lockdown. Issell Acosta said her sister attends the school. She's glad the school was on lockdown, because it meant the children were kept safe.

"They are safe. My baby told me right now she was safe and she was good," said Acosta.

Police said they are investigating because there's a possibility one of the suspects shot at them during the chase. Police said they did not return fire and that no one was hurt.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 704-432-TIPS and speak directly to a Homicide Unit detective. The public can also call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 or visit the Crime Stoppers mobile app website at charlottecrimestoppers.com.