Suspected NN burglars knew victims

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) - Three burglary suspects are now facing additional burglary charges after detectives were able to link them to another crime, according to police.

Officers received a call for a burglary in the 300 block of Marlboro Road around 12:20 p.m. Tuesday after a witness reported two suspects entered a home. A detective spotted the suspect vehicle and the occupants were arrested just 10 minutes later.

Benjamin Harris, 32, James Lee, 25, and James Batchelor, 20, were detained and an officer found a white safe in the truck belonging to the home. All three were charged with burglary, grand larceny, conspiracy to commit burglary, conspiracy to commit grand larceny and possession of burglary tools.

During the course of the investigation, Lou Thurston with the Newport News Police Department said officers found evidence linking the trio to another burglary on Monday in the 100 block of Clipper Drive. They are now facing an additional charge of burglary, grand larceny and two new counts of conspiracy to commit a felony. 

Both victims knew at least one of the suspects, Thurston added. Police are now asking anyone who has been a victim of a burglary and also knows one of the suspects to call the detective assigned to their case.