Update 11/2/15 – A second Fort Bragg soldier has been charged in the alleged break-in of more than 20 self-storage units in Raeford, N.C. The Hoke County Sheriff's Office arrested Dominique Lamar Schumpert, 23, on Oct. 29, according to the source. His charges include 21 counts of breaking and entering, four counts of larceny and others in the Oct. 3 thefts at Highway 401 Storage. His bail has been set at $600,000.
The men are also suspects in similar crimes reported on Oct. 12 and 14 at American Flag Self Storage at 2417 Gary St. in Fayetteville, N.C., police said.
10/28/15 – A Fort Bragg soldier is facing felony charges for allegedly breaking into units at a self-storage facility in Raeford, N.C., and stealing several items, including a vehicle. He’s also a suspect in similar break-ins at a storage facility in Fayetteville, N.C., according to the source. Authorities arrested Jace James Louis Buras, 19, on Oct. 26, in connection with the Oct. 3 burglaries at Highway 401 Storage at 4900 Fayetteville Road. Police are still searching for a second suspect.
Two men were captured on video surveillance breaking into several units just after 1 a.m. One of the suspects is seen smashing 11 of the facility’s 12 video cameras with a shovel, the source reported. Both wore gloves, and one had on a black and white mask. They pried the cylinder locks from the units to gain entry, leaving behind large holes on the metal doors, the source reported.
"The hardest part was calling the tenants involved and letting them know they'd been violated," facility owner Teresa Sprankle told the source. Sprankle discovered the crime several hours after it happened. She believes the men may have accessed the facility by cutting through a fence at the back of the 5-acre property, which borders a residential community, the source reported.
The thefts appeared to be methodical and well-executed, said Sprankle, who’s reviewed the video surveillance several times. She also said she didn’t recognize Buras as a tenant.
"Informants, they could've sent somebody in here looking for storage," Sprankle said. "You know, asking some questions and, of course, I'm going to tell them; and I take them around to see the units and so forth. They could gather enough information."
Hoke County investigators are comparing the Highway 401 video surveillance to that of another storage break-in in Fayetteville, in which the suspects also wore black and white masks, the source reported. No charges have been filed and the theft is still under investigation.
Information about Buras's military service was unavailable, but Fort Bragg investigators have assisted police in the investigation, the source reported.
Buras is being held at the Hoke County Detention Center under a $600,000 bond. He faces more than 30 felony and misdemeanor charges.
