Residents catch suspected thief in act

KILL DEVIL HILLS, N.C. (WAVY) - Police say a Kill Devil Hills man and a fellow neighbor were able to hold down a thief allegedly stealing items from cars until police arrived to arrest the suspect.

According to Gary Britt with the Kill Devil Hills Police Department, David Pearson heard two car alarms shortly after 11 p.m. Oct. 19 while at his home on Avalon Drive.

Pearson saw a man crossing a neighbor's yard and entering a car parked in the driveway. Police say Pearson then approached the man and saw him pulling items out of the car's glove box and center console.

The suspect took off on foot. Pearson and a neighbor caught up with the suspect a short time later, Britt said.

The suspect, 41-year-old Aaron Scott Harvell, allegedly tried to enter a home on Edenton Street but police say homeowners did not let him inside when they saw Pearson and his neighbor pursuing Harvell.

Pearson confronted Harvell about the thefts. Harvell allegedly approached Pearson in an "aggressive manner" at which point Pearson took Harvell to the ground and held him down until police arrived.

Police say Harvell has broken into at least 12 cars between West Archdale Street and Edenton Street, stealing electronics, cash and jewelry.

Harvell was transferred to a hospital after his arrest then taken to Dare Count Detention Center where he was placed on a $48,000 bond.