Police nab burglary suspects

Published 8:09 am Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Two burglary suspects were arrested Tuesday thanks to the quick eye of a neighbor and the quick feet of Franklin police officers.

Just after noon, officers were called to the 400 block of North High Street after a neighbor called to report that someone was breaking into a home there.

“Upon officers’ arrival, the suspects fled on foot but were apprehended a short distance away,” said police spokesman Lt. Tim Whitt. “Investigation revealed that a brick was used to break out the glass of a back door and approximately $800 worth of jewelry was stolen and recovered.”

Tracy Warren, 20, was charged with six counts of burglary, seven counts of grand larceny, two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Porsha Smith, 21, also of Charlottesville, was charged with three counts of burglary, three counts of grand larceny.

Sara Johnson, who lives in the home with two roommates, said she was glad that her neighbor called police.

“I’m very thankful for her and happy that I have such vigilant neighbors,” she said. “I’m just glad it happened during the day when none of us were home.”

Johnson, who works as an advertising account executive at The Tidewater News, said she also credits the Franklin Police Department for their quick arrival.

“They were there. They responded quickly. They made me feel very safe. We’re very lucky,” she said. “I was impressed that Chief (Phil) Hardison was on the scene and talked me through everything and made me feel at ease.”

Warren and Smith also were wanted by the United States Marshal’s Service as well as the Charlottesville Police Department for numerous burglaries in their city. Both remain in Western Tidewater Regional Jail without bond.