WAYNE COUNTY, N.C. — A 24-year-old Wayne County man has been arrested on multiple felony charges following a traffic stop that led to the discovery of a stolen firearm and a subsequent investigation into a series of vehicle break-ins.
Traffic Stop Leads to Arrest
On August 1st, 2025, members of the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office DWI Task Force conducted a traffic stop for a Chapter 20 violation that escalated when the vehicle failed to stop for emergency lights and sirens.
During the incident, a passenger in the vehicle threw a firearm from the car before it came to a complete stop. The driver, identified as a juvenile, was found to be under the influence of both alcohol and illegal narcotics.
The discarded firearm was recovered by deputies and determined to be stolen property from Wayne County. The juvenile driver was issued citations and released to his father’s custody.
First Set of Charges
Collin James Pepin, 24, a white male, was arrested at the scene and faces the following charges from the traffic stop incident:
- Felony Possession of a Stolen Firearm
- Carrying a Concealed Handgun
- Simple Possession of a Schedule VI Controlled Substance
- Possession of Marijuana Paraphernalia
- Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor (2 counts)
- Contributing Alcohol to a Person 20 Years of Age
- Aid & Abet Impaired Driving
- Littering
- Possession of an Open Container
Pepin was transported to the Wayne County Jail and given a $9,000 secured bond for these charges.
Breaking and Entering Investigation
Between July 30th and August 1st, 2025, several incidents of breaking and entering motor vehicles were reported in northern Wayne County. Detective Sergeant C. Johnson led the investigation with assistance from the Detective Division, Patrol Division, and DWI Task Force.
Following the investigation, Pepin was identified as a suspect in the vehicle break-ins and arrested on additional charges.
Additional Charges Filed
In connection with the breaking and entering investigation, Pepin faces these additional charges:
- Felony Larceny of Firearm
- Breaking Entering Motor Vehicle (6 counts)
- Larceny from Motor Vehicle (4 counts)
- Obtain Property False Pretense
An additional $15,000 secured bond was set for these charges, bringing Pepin’s total bond amount to $24,000.
Current Status
Pepin remains in custody at the Wayne County Jail. The investigation involved multiple divisions of the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, demonstrating the collaborative effort to address the recent uptick in vehicle break-ins in the northern part of the county.
