FROM STAFF REPORTS

Two suspects face criminal charges in connection with a breaking or entering investigation in Mooresville that led to a multi-county pursuit that ended in a crash early Thursday morning. 

About 2:33 a.m. Thursday, Mooresville Police Department officers observed suspected criminal activity in the Gateway Boulevard area that the officers believed to be associated with the breaking and entering of vehicles, police said.

While being approached by officers, five suspects fled the scene in a stolen 2017 Kia Optima four-door sedan, according to an MPD news release.

The suspects were pursued by officers, and the vehicle pursuit ended after the successful deployment of a tire-deflation device and the subsequent crash of the suspect vehicle in the area of Highway 70 and Hurley School Road in Rowan County, police said.

As a result of the single-vehicle crash, the suspects required medical attention and a 16-year-old juvenile and two adults were treated and medically cleared at Rowan Regional Medical Center, according to the news release. A second 16-year-old juvenile and a 17-year-old juvenile remained hospitalized Thursday afternoon, police said.

While searching the stolen Kia, MPD officers located three firearms, two of which have been confirmed as stolen, according to the news release.

Two suspects face charges as a result of the investigation:

♦ Kaylani Azija Dejesus, 18, of Charlotte was charged with felony breaking or entering a motor vehicle and felony larceny of a firearm. Dejesus received a $50,000 secured bond.

♦ Keishawn Deyoung Hatchett, 19, of Charlotte was charged with felony breaking or entering a motor vehicle and felony larceny of a firearm. Hatchett received a $50,000 secured bond.

The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are pending, police said.

The MPD expressed its appreciation for the support provided by the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office, Troutman Police Department, Rowan County Sheriff’s Office, and the N.C. Highway Patrol.