Beginning on March 12 through March 16, the Elizabethton Police Department began investigating several burglaries to local businesses within Elizabethton.

Surveillance video was obtained from each location which showed two individuals who were masked most of the time, committing each burglary. Still photos were released to the media for the public’s assistance in identifying the suspects. On March 19, tips were received identifying the suspects. Also on March 19, Johnson City Police officers located stolen property from the Elizabethton burglaries at a residence located at 1201 Afton Street in Johnson City. Elizabethton Police officers and investigators went to that residence and learned that both Adam Sean Ward and his brother, Devin Robbie Ward, were currently staying at the residence.

Numerous stolen items from each of the Elizabethton burglaries were recovered as well as items of clothing and masks worn by the suspects. Further investigation found they had burglarized each location. Both suspects were arrested and taken to the Carter County Jail.

The first location burglarized was Peake Brother’s Pawn, located at 175 Hudson Drive in Elizabethton. It was burglarized on March 12 at approximately 4 a.m. Three handguns valued in total at $1,149 were stolen from the front display case. Damage was also done to the case and interior drywall during the incident (unknown value). Adam Sean Ward and Devin Robbie Ward are both charged with burglary and theft over $1,000.

Volunteer Vapors, located at 1342 Milligan Highway in the jurisdiction of Elizabethton, was entered on March 16 at approximately 2 a.m. by breaking a window from the front of the store. It was reported that over 150 items were missing from the store with an estimated loss of $5,087. Based on the above information both suspects were charged violating TCA 39-14-402 burglary, 39-14-103 theft of property over $2,500, and 39-14-408 vandalism under $1,000.

Computer Clinic, located at 1760 West Elk Avenue in Elizabethton, was entered on March 17 at approximately 2:45 a.m. by busting a window from the side of the store. Numerous laptops, tablets, cables, computers, accessories, and other assorted electronics valued in excess of $2,500 were stolen. Based on the above the subjects were charged with violating TCA 39-14-402 burglary, 39-14-103 theft of property over $2,500, and 39-14-408 vandalism under $1,000.

While in the Computer Clinic, Adam and Devin Ward attempted entry to the Tri City Gun Depot, which is located in the same building, damaging a door that provided access to the gun shop. Based on this both subjects were charged with violating TCA 39-14-402 burglary (attempted), 39-14-103 theft of property (attempted), and 39-14-408 vandalism under $1,000.