North Carolina homicide suspects arrested in Middletown

MIDDLETOWN, R.I. (WLNE)- Middletown police arrested two men wanted for murder in North Carolina.

Police said they received a report of a suspicious car at a business on West Main Road. At that time, the registration check determined nothing suspicious about the vehicle, according to the department.

Later Sunday afternoon, police said they were notified that the same car was stolen out of North Carolina, and the two men inside were wanted in connection to a murder in Harnett County.

Police searched the area, but were unable to find the car.

Later in the afternoon officers found the car at the Rodeway Inn. Investigators said they surveilled the motel until they received the proper warrants.

Sunday evening, one of the suspects, identified as Tommy Jackson, 23, of Sanford, North Carolina, was seen leaving the motel with a woman. Police pulled him over near the on ramp to the Newport Pell Bridge.

Officers said Jackson had a handgun on him at the time of the arrest.

Less than one hour later, Rhode Island State Police SWAT team executed a warrant at the motel and arrested Jesse Richardson, 26, of Fayetteville.

“The Middletown Police Detective Division processed the scene and will coordinate investigative efforts with the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office in North Carolina,” the department said in a release.

Both men were arraigned Monday before being transported to North Carolina.