From the Kinston Police Department: Over the past few months several A/C Units have been stolen from businesses and residences throughout the city. Surveillance by the Criminal Investigations Division yielded a suspect description but no positive identification.

On July 27, patrol officers were conducting surveillance in areas targeted by copper-A/C thieves. During that time, officers conducted a traffic stop on Wayland Skinner, operating a green Ford Mustang. During the stop, officers observed multiple A/C condensers and compressors along with burglary tools. Mr. Skinner matched the description from the surveillance obtained from days prior. Mr. Skinner was taken into custody for the below larcenies that resulted in over $150,000.00 in damages.

At this time Skinner has been charged with the following:

• Felony Larceny

• Larceny of Copper Flashing

• Possession of Burglary Tools

• Possession of Stolen Goods