Suspect in rash of Durham break-ins shot dog, investigators believe

DURHAM, North Carolina (WTVD) -- The Durham County Sheriff's Office has identified a possible suspect who may have shot a dog during a home burglary, the latest crime in a rash of break-ins in recent weeks.

The sheriff's office is looking for 25-year-old Brandon Deshawn Neville, of Durham. Neville should be considered armed and dangerous.

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Neville and other thieves are thought to be targeting homes and businesses in the eastern and northern sections of Durham County. The dog was shot during a home break-in on May 5 on Cheek Road.

Some of the affected areas include:

- Snow Hill Road

- Cheek Road

- Red Mountain Road

- Bahama Road

One arrest has been made. Robert Fleming, 41, was taken into custody on May 8 in connection with a burglary at a business at 5021 Wake Forest Highway on the same day. Fleming is charged with felony breaking and entering and misdemeanor damage to real property.

Since May 1, investigators have responded to two burglaries at businesses and 16 home break-ins.

READ MORE: Durham Sheriff warns residents after rash of break-ins

So far, law enforcement agencies haven't determined whether the break-ins are connected.

"While our investigators continue to follow up on leads and arrest suspects, it's important for residents to be proactive about the safety and security of their homes," said Sheriff Mike Andrews. "This is a good time for neighbors to watch out for other neighbors."

Sheriff Andrews is encouraging all residents to follow these safety tips:

1. Call 911 to report suspicious people or activity. Trust your instincts if you notice anyone or anything that seems unusual.
2. Establish a Neighborhood Watch on your street. Social media applications like Nextdoor are an easy way to stay connected with your neighbors.
3. Make your home appear as though someone is at home by parking a vehicle in the driveway, leaving on lights, the television or a radio.
4. Record serial numbers on valuables so that investigators can quickly track and recover stolen items.

Anyone with information about Neville's whereabouts or the recent break-ins is asked to contact the Durham County Sheriff's Office at (919) 560-0900 or Durham CrimeStoppers at (919) 683-1200. CrimeStoppers offers cash rewards for information leading to an arrest in felony cases only.

Residents can also submit anonymous crime tips at crimetip@durhamsheriff.org.

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