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Three Arrested in Vehicle Theft Cases
11/26/08 - 04:19 PM

Holmes County Sheriff's Office

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The Holmes County Sheriff’s Office has charged three adults in two separate vehicle theft investigations.  In addition, two suspects are facing multiple charges for burglaries and thefts occurring on the same night. 

The first incident began on Saturday, November 22nd when a deputy was responding to a vehicle theft that had just occurred.  While traveling to the complainant’s’ residence a vehicle matching the description of the stolen vehicle was observed turning into a driveway. 

The deputy later gave chase as the driver refused to stop and fled down several “two-trail” roads.  The driver continued as far as the terrain would allow and then fled on foot.  However, this was not before the pursuing deputy identified him from previous involvement. 

The Holmes Correctional K-9 tracking team responded and later located the suspect in a heavily wooded area where he was taken into custody.  The suspect was identified as Robert Christopher Vermillion (W/M 21 yoa) of Bonifay.  Vermillion was booked into the Holmes County Jail on charges of grand theft, fleeing/attempting to elude a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest without violence, driving while license suspended/revoked and driving under the influence.  The stolen vehicle was returned to the rightful owner.

On November 25, 2008 the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office responded to a stolen vehicle complaint on the outskirts of Bonifay.  The vehicle was taken from the complainant’s driveway sometime before 3 o’clock in the morning. 

The vehicle was found shortly before 9 o’clock in a clay pit not far from the complainant’s residence.  The car thieves’ shoeprints were found walking away from the vehicle and were tracked approximately one-half mile to a nearby trailer park. 

While this incident was under investigation, a burglary and grand theft complaint was received in the same area.  A resident had gone outside to find his shed burglarized and two “pocket” motorcycles missing. 

Information was obtained concerning two adult male suspects living near the area.  Additional information was gathered by investigators that led to the recovery of the motorcycles, money and jewelry taken on the “crime spree”. 

The two suspects have been identified as Samuel A. Melvin (W/M 19 yoa) and Shawn M. Neal (W/M 18 yoa) both of the Bonifay area. Melvin is currently in the Holmes County Jail with a $15,000.00 bond.  Arrest warrants have been obtained for Neal charging him with felonies including burglary of a structure, burglary of a conveyance (two counts) and grand theft (two counts). 

Anyone with information concerning Neal’s whereabouts is asked to call the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office at 1- or Crimestoppers at 1-.