Two Men Arrested for String of Thefts

Police arrested two suspects in a home invasion in downtown Durham early Friday morning. The two men may be connected to a string of crimes in Durham against Hispanic residents.

A source in the Durham Police Department said 22-year-old Romone Miles and 17-year-old Taquiyy Coley were arrested in Durham after another robbery in the city's Hispanic community.

Coley and Miles, both of Durham, were each charged with 18 counts of robbery with a deadly weapon and 18 counts of second-degree kidnapping. Bond was set for both at $2 million.

According to documents in the magistrate's office, the pair had 18 victims. Fifteen were Hispanic, and three had names of Middle Eastern origin. Miles and Coley also allegedly preyed on younger people. Six of the victims cited in the warrants were under the age of 16. Court documents revealed that Miles and Coley, using a small caliber handgun, stole both personal items and cash. In one case, they stole up to $1000 and in another, as little as $1.

Police said the charges against Miles and Coley are not for the rash of break-ins in the Durham Hispanic community, those are separate incidents they may be charged with at a later time.

Earlier this week, the police department re-assigned Officer Hector Borgess to investigate the crimes against the Hispanic community. Friday morning's arrest came just days after he took the position, which includes acting as a liaison between the police department and the Hispanic community.

Coley and Miles will have their first court appearance on Monday for assignment of an attorney.

Reporter: Len Besthoff