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AHOSKIE – Derrick M. Barnes, 52, of Murfreesboro stands accused of breaking into an Ahoskie business on Monday, Jan. 15.

Ahoskie Police Chief Michele Garrett said the break-in occurred shortly before 3 a.m. at Charlie’s Place, located on Jessie Street.

Garrett stated that an officer with the ECU Health Police was across Jessie Street on Monday morning, checking on property owned by ECU Health.

“That officer noticed the glass front door at Charlie’s Place was broken out. The officer also took note of a vehicle parked beside that business,” Garrett said.

She added the ECU Health Police officer made contact with the Ahoskie Police, giving a description of the vehicle, which had left Charlie’s Place.

While en route to Charlie’s Place, Ahoskie Police Officer Jason Baker saw a vehicle matching the description given by the ECU Health Officer.

“Officer Baker got behind the suspect vehicle, activated his car’s blue lights, but the suspect vehicle did not immediately pull over,” Garrett said. “At that point, Officer Baker radioed for assistance. The suspect vehicle eventually stopped near the fire department on MLK Drive.”

Baker, along with Sgt. Larry Belangia, spoke to the driver at which time, Garrett said, they noted he had shattered glass on his clothing. Based on that evidence plus the car’s description, Barnes was arrested on the charges of felony breaking-and-entering and damage to real property. Barnes was also cited for failing to stop for a blue light.

Garrett thanked the ECU Police and the Hertford County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance.