Friday News

Headline: Shoplifting crimes spike in Morganton as Public Safety take one after another to jail this week

Morganton Public Safety Officer’s spent yesterday evening taking one shoplifter after another to jail.  According to reports on file, Public Safety responded to the Morganton Heights Shopping Center and the Quaker Meadows Shopping Center taking several people into custody on Shoplifting and other charges.

28 year old Kyle Lee Isaac of Highway 70, Morganton was arrested for Larceny after reports indicate he attempted to steal 3 window air conditioners from Wal-Mart.. Isaac was charged with, Possession of stolen goods and served with a True Bill of Indictment for stealing and being in possession of a stolen motor vehicle.

Isaac was transported to the Magistrate’s Office where the honorable Lynn Webb confined Isaac to jail under a $16,000 secured bond.  Isaac’s court date is scheduled for July 19th.

Around the same time, Public Safety Officer’s took 54 year old Phyllis Smith Solesby of Morganton into custody from the Wal-Mart store for stealing.  Solesby, along with 3 other individuals were trying to leave Wal-Mart after Solesby allegedly concealed and exited the store with two bottles of body spray in her pocketbook.  Solesby was taken into custody and brought before Magistrate Smith where she was released on a written promise to appear in court.  Solesby’s court date is July 25th in Burke County

Public Safety took another person into custody for Stealing over $272.00 worth of merchandise.  60 year old, Rita Gale Hensley of Morganton was arrested by public safety yesterday evening after she reportedly stole various food and clothing items from Wal-Mart.  Hensley was charged with Larceny and given a court date of July 25th.

Also, over the past several days, officers responded to K-mart and Tractor Supply on several occasions where shoplifters were observed leaving the store with items, Public Safety said charges are pending on several individuals identified on camera, leaving the store with unpaid merchandise.

  

Headline: Public Safety make another big arrest overnight

Around 10pm, Officers with Morganton Public Safety located an individual wanted for breaking and entering.

Officers arrested 28 year old Darius Edward Connelly of Morganton, near the Holiday-to-Go Convenience store on Lenoir Road and took him into custody on charges of Breaking and Entering and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  Connelly was taken before Magistrate Smith where he was confined to jail under a $5,000.00 secured bond.  Connelly’s court date is scheduled for today.

Headline: Pet Food Drive taking place at a local brewery

Mercy Fund Animal Rescue is holding a pet food donation drive at Catawba Brewing Company now through Saturday.

Marion-based Mercy Fund Animal Rescue also serves Burke and surrounding counties providing shelter and care for rescued or abandoned animals and also supports animal owners who struggle to meet their pets needs, such as veterinary care and food.

Residents are urged to drop off dog and/or cat food donations today through Saturday at the brewery in Morganton