Police: Towing scheme linked to Durham kidnapping

Durham police could close several cases with a single arrest. 

Terryon Lamont McEachin, 23, of 2307 Kristy Place, surrendered to authorities Tuesday afternoon. He is charged with obtaining property by false pretense and larceny of a motor vehicle in connection with 10 cars stolen and sold to salvage yards over the past few weeks. 

Police said McEachin scouted Durham neighborhoods looking for older-model cars in driveways. He spoke with homeowners about the possibility of buying the 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 sold them for cash.

Police said also charged with two counts of kidnapping. Last Friday, police said, he tried to steal a car from outside a convenience store in the 900 block of Fayetteville Street without realizing two children were inside.

Both the car and the children were found safe and sound nearby.

Investigators said they don't believe the tow truck companies McEachin hired were 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.

He was in the Durham County jail Friday under a $245,000 bond.