Two adults, three juveniles accused in Moss Point burglaries

MOSS POINT -- A vehicle pursuit that started in Alabama and ended in Mississippi resulted in the arrests of two adults and three juveniles accused in burglaries in Moss Point, and more charges and arrests are expected as the investigation continues, Moss Point Police Chief Art McClung said.

The suspects, all from Moss Point, were driving a stolen car when Alabama State Troopers tried to stop them Tuesday night. The chase continued into Mississippi, ending in Moss Point when the suspects jumped out of the vehicle and ran.

They were captured a short time later.

Police identified the two adults arrested as Moss Point residents Kendall Cunningham and Julian Mangum, both 18, and accused in a rash of auto burglaries in Moss Point. They are being held at the Jackson County jail on three counts each of auto burglary, though other charges are pending. The three juveniles also taken in custody are between the ages of 15 and 17 and have been turned over to the Jackson County Youth Court jail to face charges there.

After the chase, McClung said the stolen vehicle was recovered and various items reported stolen were found inside the vehicle.

Since Nov. 1, McClung said, police have seen an increase of burglaries in the city, with 14 auto burglaries and one home burglary reported. In the majority of cases, primarily in the Riverwood subdivision, the suspects are breaking into unlocked cars.

As a result of the rash of burglaries, McClung said police have added patrols and are implementing a special operations plan to combat the crime. He said some juveniles already have been taken into custody on charges of receiving stolen property.

Police believe the suspects in the ongoing burglaries are between the ages of 15 and 25.

"We are asking our citizens to help us by locking their doors and securing or removing the valuables from their vehicles," McClung said. "We understand locked or unlocked, no one has the right to enter anyone's property and steal anything, but unfortunately we do not live in the same world we used to live in."

Police are encouraging residents to dial 911 if they see anything suspicious.

"By working together, we will combat this problem and bring these criminals to justice. Or with a collaborative effort together, we can run them out of Moss Point," he said.

To report information, call the Moss Point Police Department at 475-1711 or Crime Stoppers at 1-877-787-5898, text CSTIP plus your message to 274367 or log on to mscoastcrimestoppers.com

This story was originally published December 16, 2015 at 3:55 PM with the headline "Two adults, three juveniles accused in Moss Point burglaries ."