Suspects in Centennial Park's Smash-and-Grabs Could Be Linked to Home Break-in

Howard County Police report that two Florida men were arrested and charged in the two smash-and-grabs committed in broad daylight at Centennial Park Wednesday.

James Javon Blakey, 26, of Pompano Beach, FL was charged with two counts of theft, malicious destruction of property, rogue and vagabond, police spokeswoman Mary Phelan said. The 22-year-old accomplice Vincent Sands of Fort Lauderdale, FL was charged with attempting to elude police and numerous other traffic violations, Phelan said.

Police are investigating whether Blakey and Sands are connected to a home break-in committed in Columbia late Wednesday.

According to a police report, a resident in the 8500 block of Black Star Circle came home Wednesday night and found their rear basement window was shattered and the latch unlocked.

After searching the home, the victim told police nothing was stolen. Police suspect Blakey and Sands could be involved, because their vehicle was recovered on the same block after a brief police pursuit.

The two men were later located and arrested after police searched the area, according to police.

Phelan said the men have not officially been linked to the home break-in, but police are continuing to investigate the incident.