Durham man wanted for illegally towing, selling older cars

Durham County sheriff's investigators are searching for a 23-year-old man who they say has stolen at least 10 cars in recent weeks by having them towed from local homes without the vehicle owner's knowledge or permission. 

Terryon Lamont Mceachin, of 2307 Kristy Place, Durham, is charged with multiple counts of obtaining property by false pretense and larceny of a motor vehicle. 

According to investigators, Mceachin scouted Durham neighborhoods looking for older model cars in driveways. He spoke with homeowners about the possibility of buying vehicles, and then returned with a hired tow truck. 

Instead of paying car owners, he allegedly towed the vehicles to local salvage yards, where he has sold them for cash. Investigators do not believe the tow truck companies Mceachin hired are complicit in the thefts. 

Salvage yards and metal recycle companies may purchase vehicles in North Carolina without a certificate of title if the vehicle is more than 10 years old, but they must keep numerous records for those types of purchases. 

Records linked Mceachin to the recent string of thefts, investigators said. Mceachin is also wanted to unrelated warrants for identity theft, fraud, larceny by an employee and breaking and entering. 

Anyone with information about Mceachin's whereabouts should call the Durham County Sheriff's Office tip line at 919-560-0940 or Durham Crime Stoppers 919-683-1200. 

Crime Stoppers pays cash rewards for information leading to arrests in felony cases, and callers never have to identify themselves.