GREENVILLE, N.C. – A pair of suspects from Belgium and Romania are in custody after a failed heist at a jewelry store, according to the Greenville Police Department.
At around 3:59 a.m. on Thursday, officers came to Bailey’s Jewelry on 511 Red Banks Road in Greenville after responding to an alarm.
Police arrived at the scene three minutes later and heard movement in the ceiling of the jewelry store. They issued multiple commands for the suspects to leave the store and the two men were later taken into custody. A large quantity of jewelry was recovered at the scene.
Investigators say one of the suspects was taken to the hospital as he fell through the ceiling during the attempted heist before being released back into police custody.
One of the suspects was identified as Cristi-Catalin Balaban, 31, of Romania. Balaban is being charged with felony breaking and entering and felony attempted larceny.
The second suspect initially provided police with a false name and passport. With the help of the FBI, he was later identified as Nicolae Aramis Stefanuca, 50, of Romania. Stefanuca is being charged with felony breaking and entering, felony attempted larceny and felony obstructing justice.
Both of the suspects are being held in the Pitt County Detention Center.
Investigators say they are working with the FBI and the United States Department of State to determine whether or not the pair committed any additional crimes.
The investigation is still active and police say more charges are possible.
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