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By NOAH WORTHAM | Managing Editor

CALERA – An individual has been arrested in connection to series of vehicle burglaries in the Waterford and Kensington subdivisions in Calera as well as in other jurisdictions.

Darian Deontrae Bryant was arrested on Friday, Jan. 17 by the Calera Police Department on charges of unlawful breaking and entering of a vehicle and theft of property in the second degree. Bryant was booked into the Shelby County Jail on Jan. 17 on a total bond of $20,000 and authorities expect more charges to come in the future.

A search for a suspect began after the Calera Police Department received reports of vehicles being broken into in the Waterford subdivision on the night of Thursday, Jan. 16. The department reached out to the community on Jan. 17 in order to secure further information and potential evidence.

Bryant was detained after Calera detectives shared information with neighboring agencies and a Hoover officer located the suspect’s vehicle.

“There is evidence that he has done burglaries in other jurisdictions as well,” Calera Chief of Police David Hyche said. “If we have property recovered from your vehicle, we will be contacting you.”

Bryant is set to face charges related to vehicle burglaries in both Jefferson and Shelby County and additional charges are said to be likely as investigation continues. According to Hyche, the suspect was detained on charges that can be proven immediately in order to safely take them off the street and to recover the vehicle for evidence.

“Crime like this happens everywhere, but we want to make it as unpleasant as possible for criminals when they victimize Calera citizens,” Hyche said. “Us sharing information with our citizens when crime occurs might give the impression that we have more crime, but I believe that being transparent gives our citizens the confidence to come forward and provide information.”