4, including minor, charged in luxury car theft ring

Four suspects, including a minor, are facing over 50 charges in connection with a luxury car theft ring, the Union County Sheriff’s Office announced Friday afternoon.

“There have been multiple car thefts, multiple vehicle breaking and enterings that have occurred primarily in the Weddington, Wesley Chapel, and Marvin area of Union County,” said Lt. James Maye.

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The thefts date back to 2021.

The high-end vehicles were left unlocked with keys inside, detectives said.

“They were stealing them out of driveways, once again, with the doors unlocked, the keys inside, or they were walking into open garages,” Maye said.

Evan Tolson, 19, Julius White, 19, and Ja’Quise Black, 18, all from Charlotte, were charged and arrested in connection with the ongoing investigation.

The sheriff’s office stated that the fourth suspect, who is younger than 18, was already in trouble when the crimes were committed.

“He was actually already on a probation status out of Mecklenburg County as a juvenile offender,” Maye said.

The teen was charged via juvenile petitions after the Department of Juvenile Justice declined to issue a secured custody order, so the juvenile is not in custody.

All four face charges, including, but not limited to first-degree burglary, felony larceny, breaking and entering into a motor vehicle, larceny of a motor vehicle, and possession of a stolen motor vehicle.

“Specifically, one of the offenders was linked to the case where (former Carolina Panther) Thomas Davis’ car was stolen out of the Weddington Road area,” Maye said.

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Authorities have tips on how to avoid your car being stolen.

“As a general reminder, please be sure to lock your car doors and remove valuable items every night before you go to bed,” the sheriff said.

It is also a good idea to lock the doors to your home, he added.

Many of the cars have been recovered.

Maye said the suspects are known by law enforcement in the area and wouldn’t be surprised if neighboring sheriff’s offices file new charges.

Residents said they were relieved that arrests were made.

“I think a lot of people are relaxed,” said resident Mandy Wheeler.