By Shavonne Walker

shavonne.walker@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — A Charlotte man was charged Wednesday after he was caught breaking into cars at the Clancy Hills apartments, authorities say. A tenant saw the man and called police. He was also seen by an on-site officer taking items.

Salisbury Police say Timothy Warren Ellerbe, 20, of the 1300 block of Water Lilly Lane, faces charges of felony breaking and entering into motor vehicles and misdemeanor larceny.

It was just after 4:30 a.m. when someone called to say they saw a man going into cars in the complex parking lot. The person said the thief had on a dark hooded sweatshirt and long dreadlocks.

The witness reported seeing the man walk toward the office. Police in the area surrounded the complex, said Police Capt. Melonie Thompson.

She said an officer who was already on-site at the complex confirmed Ellerbe was seen on surveillance video going into the cars.

Ellerbe was immediately banned from ever going to Clancy Hills Apartments. Thompson noted he was already banned from Colonial Village Apartments.

Thompson said officers believe Ellerbe broke into three vehicles, though information wasn’t available Wednesday about what was taken from them.

Ellerbe remained in the Rowan County Detention Center under a $10,000 secured bond on Wednesday.