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Suffolk man wanted in three area cities

Posted at 9:38 PM, Mar 12, 2014
and last updated 2014-04-02 17:38:00-04

Update: Shawn Branche was taken into custody after someone called police with information on his whereabouts.

Police in three Hampton Roads cities are trying to find a Suffolk man wanted for various charges including Grand Larceny and Assault and Battery.

In Portsmouth, police say Shawn Branche, 36, is wanted for Grand Larceny and Obtaining Money by False Pretenses.

In August 2013, Portsmouth police say a couple sought out a contractor to do work at their home on Clintwood Drive in the Churchland section of the city.

They hired Branche, but seven months after giving him money for the job, police say he still hasn't shown up to do the work.

According to detectives, Branche required the victims to pay 70 percent of the total cost up front to cover supplies and equipment.  That amounted to $1,750.  Police say Branche cashed the check, but never came back to the victims' house to perform any work.

As the weeks went by, police say the victims reached out to him numerous times, but their calls went unanswered.

Police say they tried to get in touch with him as well.

"We tried everything we could do to contact Mr. Branche to bring him in and get his side of the story and see if there was something going on, but Mr. Branche was nowhere to be found," said Det. Misty Holley.

In October a grand jury indicted Branche on charges of Grand Larceny and Obtaining Money by False Pretenses.

Portsmouth police aren't the only ones looking for him.

Branche is also wanted in Suffolk and Chesapeake.

Chesapeake police say in July 2013, Branche shoplifted some items from Walmart and is wanted for Petit Larceny.

In Suffolk, they're trying to track him down for an Assault and Battery charge.

Police say in June 2013, a man told police that Branche intentionally hit him with his car in a parking lot, barely missing the victim's 12-year-old daughter.

According to police, Branche and the victim know each other.

Police say Branche lives on Eclipse Drive in Suffolk, but they haven't been able to find him there.

If you know where police can find him, take action and call the Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.

You do not have to give your name or testify in court.  If your information leads to an arrest, you could be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.