AHOSKIE — A local man now faces multiple felony larceny charges after police say he was tied to a string of thefts that left vehicles in the Ahoskie area without wheels.
Investigation leads to arrest
According to law enforcement, investigators began looking into a pattern of vehicle-targeted thefts in July when owners reported their cars and trucks had been stripped of tires, wheels and lug nuts and left sitting on cinder blocks. After evidence collection and follow-up, authorities identified 22-year-old Da'Kias Futrell of Rich Square as a suspect.
Warrants alleging nine counts of felony larceny were obtained on Aug. 12 and served the following day. Futrell was already in custody at the Northampton County Detention Center on matters described by police as related to similar crimes. He remains jailed without bond while the new charges are pending.
Scope and impact of the thefts
Police say the incidents began surfacing in July and affected several vehicles in the Ahoskie area. The thefts involved removal of tires and wheels; in many cases, thieves also took lug nuts, leaving vehicle owners to find their cars propped up on blocks.
Such crimes carry practical and financial consequences for victims, who must arrange for towing, replacement parts and repairs. Beyond the direct cost to owners, repeated incidents like these can erode a neighborhood's sense of safety and increase insurance premiums.
- Suspect: Da'Kias Futrell, 22, Rich Square
- Counts: Nine felony larceny charges
- Warrants obtained: Aug. 12
- Warrants served: Aug. 13
- Detention: Northampton County Detention Center, held without bond
What we know from official accounts
Police statements indicate the Ahoskie Police Department initiated the probe following a number of theft reports in July. After gathering physical and investigative evidence, detectives say they identified Futrell and sought felony warrants charging him with nine counts of larceny.
Authorities served the warrants on Aug. 13. The department has not publicly released additional investigative details, such as whether the stolen property has been recovered or whether more arrests are expected.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Number of felony counts | 9 |
| Age of suspect | 22 |
| Current custody status | Held without bond |
Practical advice for residents
Vehicle owners in the area should take routine precautions to reduce their exposure to similar thefts. Simple steps include:
- Parking in well-lit, visible areas or in locked garages when possible.
- Installing wheel locks or lug nut covers designed to deter quick removal.
- Using security cameras or motion-activated lighting to discourage thieves and collect evidence.
- Reporting suspicious activity to law enforcement promptly and documenting any damage.
Insurance coverage varies; owners who experience theft or damage should contact their insurer promptly and keep police reports and repair estimates for claims processing.
Next steps in the case
Futrell faces nine felony larceny charges as investigators complete their work. Court records will provide the next public milestones in the case, including formal arraignment and any scheduled hearings. The Ahoskie Police Department has indicated that the charges stem from their July investigation but has not released further details about potential co-conspirators or recovered evidence.
The news of the arrest offers a measure of resolution for residents rattled by the thefts, but officials and neighbors alike may continue to watch for additional developments as prosecutors and detectives take the case forward.
Latoya Simmons, State Correspondent
