Covington, Tennessee — The Covington Police Department (CPD) has arrested six youths in connection with a series of vehicle burglaries that occurred between June 11 and 14.
According to CPD reports, numerous vehicles were ransacked, leading to the theft of approximately $4,500 worth of items, including seven firearms. The burglars also caused around $1,800 in damage. Witnesses reported seeing male suspects entering the neighborhood and leaving in two vehicles, identified as a blue Chevy Cruze and a gray Nissan Altima.
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On June 13, the Tipton County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) issued a Be On the Lookout (BOLO) alert for a Nissan Altima linked to an attempted vehicle burglary in Terrytown. CPD officers located the vehicle in Covington and identified its registered owner. The vehicle was towed for forensic examination in connection with the burglaries.
During their investigation, officers found a sack in a dumpster containing two stolen electronic items. A subsequent search warrant at a suspect’s residence led to the discovery of stolen property from multiple vehicle burglaries. Additional items were recovered related to a gang-related incident near Frazier Park.
In this gang-related incident, a 16-year-old boy was arrested and charged with possessing a stolen weapon, carrying a weapon on school grounds, illegal possession of a weapon, and evading arrest. Further investigation linked the Chevy Cruze to another 16-year-old boy.
CPD and TCSO detectives identified six suspects involved in the burglary ring: five youths aged 15 to 17 and 18-year-old Broderick Royster, who is currently wanted by the CPD. Royster, described as 5’8”, 130 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes, remains at large and may be armed. Authorities urge anyone with information on Royster’s whereabouts to contact the Covington Police Department at 901-475-1261 or the Tipton County Sheriff’s Office at 901-475-3300.
According to reports from WREG, all suspects are members of the Vice Lord gang. The juveniles face eight charges of vehicle burglary and eight counts of vandalism.
“I thank the Violent Crime Unit (VCU) team, CPD detectives, officers, deputies, and analysts for their swift identification of the suspects in these cases. A critical component of our investigation was our residents who observed something and immediately contacted us, resulting in the case being broken,” said Chief Donna Turner. “It was an example of excellent police work to prioritize the safety of our communities. We’ve noticed an increase in gang activity and have been monitoring social media and individuals known to be involved in criminal activity. The VCU continues to collaborate with neighboring counties to prevent violence in Tipton County.”
