A Lincolnton woman is charged with identity theft after the unauthorized use of another person’s debit card.

The victim reported her debit card missing after a trip to Wendy’s in Denver.

A check of her banking statement showed several unauthorized completed and attempted transactions.

A report with the Lincoln Sheriff’s Office says the victim called the restaurant, and was informed that the card was in the fast food establishment.

An investigation led to Wendy’s employee 18-year-old Breiana Lei McAfee as the person responsible for making the debit card charges.

She was charged with two counts of obtaining property by false pretenses and two counts of identity theft.

McAfee posted a 15-thousand dollar secured bond.

Maiden authorities are seeking help in finding a suspect who stole lawn care equipment from a residence last weekend.

A Stihl weed trimmer was reported stolen from a home in the 400-block of East Klutz Street in Maiden.

The suspect vehicle is described as a charcoal or silver Dodge Ram single cab truck with chrome wheels and a black or blue camper shell according to a news release.

Surveillance cameras captured a white female passenger exit the truck, taking the weed trimmer from the property.

Those having information about the theft should call Maiden Police at 428-5005.

Hickory Police Department’s continued traffic enforcement operation called PACT or Pay Attention in City Traffic will be focused on several areas for the month of July.

Highway 70 Southeast from 4^th Street Drive Southwest to 2^nd Street Southwest, and on South Center Street from 2^nd Avenue Southwest to Highway 70 Southwest.

The enforcement focus in these areas continues to include red light violations, following too close, distracted driving, and speeding.

As always, motorists are encouraged to be vigilant and observe all traffic laws, avoid utilizing mobile and digital devices, and maintain driving awareness while operating a motor vehicle.

An officer-involved shooting following a pursuit by law enforcement in Johnston County Monday has claimed the life of a Smithfield man.

Reports say 26-year-old Enrique Lopez was attempting to elude law enforcement while fleeing in a stolen tow truck.

During the pursuit, Lopez reportedly began shooting at state highway patrol troopers.

The troopers returned fire as they were nearing the city of Clayton.

Lopez then crashed into a tree off the shoulder of the highway.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators have determined Lopez was struck by a trooper’s gunfire; however, the medical examiner’s office is working to determine the cause of his death.

The SBI is investigating.