Two men arrested in connection with larceny, vehicle pursuit in Albemarle

ALBEMARLE COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- An Albemarle man and a Charlottesville man were arrested in connection with a larceny and a vehicle pursuit in Albemarle County early Thursday morning. Police recovered firearms and stolen property during the investigation.

At 1:07 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 9, a 911 caller reported a larceny in progress in the 400 block of Crafton Circle. The person who reported the incident indicated that the two men wore all black clothing and masks and were attempting to break into vehicles and steal items.

When officers arrived, the suspects fled the scene, leading to a vehicle pursuit heading north on Seminole Trail.

According to the Albemarle County Police Department, the suspects reportedly discarded a firearm from the vehicle during the pursuit. Officers tried to stop the vehicle near Proffit Road, but the two suspects ran away.

After a short foot pursuit, both suspects -- a 22-year-old man of the Howardsville area of Albemarle County and a 19-year-old Charlottesville man -- were taken into custody, with one arrested thanks to help from K-9 units.

According to police, officers recovered a second firearm, stolen jewelry, cash and wallets and a gaming console after searching the vehicle. Officials also later recovered the firearm discarded from the vehicle.

The 22-year-old Howardsville man has been charged with felony prohibited wearing of a mask, reckless handling of a firearm, obstructing justice and four counts of unlawful entry to a vehicle.

The 19-year-old Charlottesville man was charged with felony prohibited wearing of a mask, felony eluding and carrying a concealed firearm.

Both men are being held at the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail without bond.