Three suspects in Manteo theft also charged with Nags Head larceny

By Mark Jurkowitz | Outer Banks Voice on February 1, 2023

Police say the three people arrested used this Mercedes in the larceny case. (Manteo Police Department)

The three suspects charged with theft from a Manteo ABC store on the night of Jan. 27 are also facing charges involving larceny from the Ulta store in Nags Head as part of a reported spree that included a high- speed getaway attempt, responses from multiple law enforcement agencies and, ultimately, their being taken into custody around the OBX Bowling Center in Nags Head, according to police sources.

The three who were arrested and face charges in both towns are Shaquan Copeland, 29, of Portsmouth VA, Tynasia Smith, 26, of Norfolk, VA and Shaquilla Cuffee, 28, also of Norfolk.

According to Nags Head Police Chief Perry Hale, that department was alerted to theft at the Ulta store at about 6:30 p.m. and a little later, the suspects made their way to the Manteo ABC location. The Manteo Police incident report stated that at the ABC, they stole several bottles of alcohol valued at about $780.  Hale said that at Ulta, the suspects made off with perfume valued at nearly $15,000.

Shortly after 8 p.m., Hale said, the Nags Head Police Department was alerted that the suspects had returned again to the Ulta Store and when police tried to stop the vehicle, the suspects fled at a speed exceeding 125 miles an hour. Close to 10 p.m., Nags Head Police discovered the now abandoned vehicle, described as a 2008 silver Mercedes, around Driftwood St with apparently stolen items inside. According to Hale, Cuffee and Smith were later found and taken into custody at the OBX Bowling Center, with Copeland arrested near the same location shortly after.

Hale also said that the Nags Head Police seized the Mercedes and found items, including many personal hygiene products, that appeared to have been stolen from other locations.

According to the Manteo incident report, the three suspects face shoplifting charges in that town, with a secured bond of $5,000 each.  Hale said that Copeland is under a $60,000 bond, while Cuffee and Smith are both at $40,000. The Nags Head charges against the trio include larceny, possession of stolen goods and speeding to elude arrest.

In recounting the arrest of the suspects, Hale thanked the Southern Shores Police Department, the Kill Devil Hills Police Department and the Dare County Sheriff’s Department for their assistance.

SEE ALSO: Three suspects in Manteo ABC robbery arrested

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