Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

MURFREESBORO – The Murfreesboro Police Department is looking for a suspect in a series of break-ins which occurred last month. Quayshaun Deonte Howington (a.k.a. “Mad Max”), who is also a suspect for other crimes in Hertford County, is considered armed and dangerous.

In the weeks leading up to Christmas, residents in Murfreesboro saw an increase in break-ins and attempted break-ins, particularly in the areas around 4th Street and neighborhoods near Spring Avenue. MPD Chief David Griffith told the News Herald there were at least 10 break-ins. Two firearms and several other items were stolen from houses, cars, and barns.

On Dec. 13, as MPD and other law enforcement were responding to a break-in, they received a 911 call—which was later determined to be fake—about another possible break-in. Griffith said they now believe Howington to be the caller in an attempt to draw law enforcement away from the area.

Howington already has pending charges in Hertford County for three counts of attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill by inflicting serious injury, five counts of discharging weapon into occupied property, discharging a weapon into occupied property causing serious bodily injury, possession of firearm by a felon, and going armed to the terror of the public. Those charges stem from a shooting that took place on Oct. 25 at a location on US 13 outside of Ahoskie.

On Dec. 27, MPD assisted the Hertford County Sheriff’s Office in a search of a Murfreesboro residence where Howington was believed to be.

“When we went to that house, we did not find him, but we recovered about 90 percent of everything that had been stolen,” Griffith reported.

“At this point, he has not been charged [in the break-ins],” he continued. “He’s still innocent until proven guilty, but he’s definitely a suspect in all of those break-ins.”

Griffith said Howington is considered armed and dangerous. If anyone has information they can contact the Murfreesboro Police Department at 252-398-4151. He also urged citizens to contact law enforcement if they see anything suspicious.

Even though Christmas is over and the rash of break-ins seemed to have stopped for now, Griffith said, “criminal behavior doesn’t really have a season.”

“Everyone should remain vigilant,” the police chief cautioned, noting that residents should continue to follow preventative measures such as making sure their doors and vehicles are locked.