A local car dealer has been charged with crimes related to a motor vehicle breaking and entering as well as extortion.
Halifax County Sheriff Wes Tripp said the arrest of Holmes today stems from an investigation by Detective B.C. Griffin after the victim reported they broke down on Interstate 95 and left the vehicle parked on the shoulder December 6.
When the victim returned to area, the vehicle was removed.
Further investigation by Griffin allegedly showed Holmes illegally towed the vehicle, which has since been returned to victim, who traveled back and forth to the area from Rocky Mount.
Holmes reportedly tried to charge the victim a tow fee to release the vehicle. Tripp declined to comment on the proposed cost of the tow fee.
The sheriff said state Highway Patrol troopers red-tagged the vehicle, but Griffin's investigation determined Holmes, doing business as Roland Holmes Auto, was not on their wrecker list.
Holmes received a $10,000 bond and has a first court appearance January 20.