Williston man charged in series of armed vehicle break-ins

A Williston man is facing multiple felony charges after authorities say he entered or attempted to enter numerous vehicles in the early morning hours of Aug. 2 while armed.

According to court records, officers responded at about 3:33 a.m. to a report of suspicious activity in the area of 4801 11th Avenue West. A witness told police she saw a man, later identified as Shannen Semi Silva, moving north through the neighborhood, checking car door handles and entering several vehicles. She reported seeing him enter a black 2015 GMC Sierra, a red 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe, and a silver 2019 GMC Sierra. She also said he tried to enter at least nine other vehicles, including pickup trucks, an SUV, and a sedan.

Officers arriving on the scene found multiple vehicles with doors partially open, signs of tampering, and items disturbed inside. Later that morning, police were contacted by a resident who reported that a Glock G19 pistol, extended magazine, and ammunition had been stolen from his black 2023 Chevrolet Silverado. Investigators say Silva dropped the magazine and ammunition while fleeing, and the firearm was later recovered along his flight path.

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Police say Silva ignored repeated commands to stop before reaching toward his waistband, prompting an officer to use a taser to subdue him.