State News

Durham Police Arrest/Charge Multiple Individuals for Motor Vehicle Break-Ins and Thefts, Seize Firearms

Phyllis Coley @phyllis_coley

DURHAM, N.C. — On September 25, 2026, the Durham Police Department executed a search warrant in the 10th block of Moore Place and arrested multiple individuals in connection with motor vehicle thefts and break-ins, firearm thefts, and related property crimes throughout the City of Durham.

Investigators seized 14 firearms including two that were reported stolen and two that had been modified. Firearm accessories, ammunition, and a small quantity of narcotics were also seized.

Durham Police Department shares a photo of items seized in their recent execution of a search warrant. (Courtesy: Durham PD)

As a result of the investigation, Kaleon Pruden, 18; Sherod Thomas, 18; and Tiffany Tapp, 44, were arrested; all are residents of Durham. Markel Howell, 21, of Chapel Hill, was also apprehended. All were charged with the following:

-Four counts of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor

-Two counts of Felony Possession of a Weapon of Mass Destruction

-Two counts of Possession of a Machine Gun

-Two counts of Possession of a Stolen Firearm

-One count of Possession of Stolen Goods

-One count of Possession with Intent to Manufacture, Sell or Deliver a Schedule VI Controlled Substance

-One count of Maintaining a Dwelling for the Use or Sale of Controlled Substances

Furthermore, four juveniles were charged in connection with this investigation. Consistent with applicable laws and restrictions concerning juvenile information, Durham Police will not release any information that identifies the juveniles or their specific charges.

Our department wants to acknowledge the Durham County Sheriff’s Office, the Chapel Hill Police Department, the Raleigh Police Department, and the North Carolina Highway Patrol for their assistance in this investigation. Collaborative work with local law enforcement agencies was instrumental to helping our investigators identify, locate, and arrest the above individuals.

This investigation demonstrates Durham Police Department’s continued efforts to combat motor vehicle crimes, the theft and possession of illegal firearms through proactive investigative efforts that prioritizes the safety of residents in the City of Durham.

Anyone with information related to these investigations is asked to contact Cpl. M. Henderson at (919) 560-4440, ext. 29357, or Durham CrimeStoppers at (919) 683-1200. Tips may also be submitted online through Durham CrimeStoppers. CrimeStoppers offers cash rewards of up to $2,000 for information leading to an arrest in felony cases, and callers may remain anonymous.