Welcome to Independent Tribune Skip directly to: our Keyword Search, Section Navigation, Content.

independenttribune.com - Independent Tribune

HomeNewsEntertainmentSportsLifestylesOpinionCommunityWeather Online Tools Jobs | Real Estate | Shopping | Classified

Teenager arrested in connection with robberies at business

By Robin L. Gardner | Independent Tribune

Published: March 20, 2009

Rowan County Sheriff's Office arrested 17-year-old Lavon Jerome Hollingsworth of Jacksonville on Friday, for two break-ins at Hammer Truck Sales in Salisbury, Capt. John Sifford reported.

The first break-in occurred on Feb. 16 and an image of a dark skinned male with a mask covering his face, going in and out of the building. Five firearms, a small safe, and a camera were taken.

At 1:15 a.m. Friday morning, the Rowan County Sheriff's Office received a call about a suspicious car at Hammer Truck Sales, and a person dressed in dark clothes heading towards the building, according to Sheriff George A. Wilhelm.

Sgt. M.A. Brady located the car outside the business.

Deputies J.W. Lentz and C.D. Williams were also dispatched to the scene. They approached the business, and noticed a light on inside. A burglar alarm to the business was activated, Capt. Sifford said.

The deputies then saw a male subject dressed in black clothing run towards the wooded area near a mobile home.

A foot chase began and the suspect was apprehended near the Kohl's Department store. Once the deputies had the suspect they noticed smoke coming from Hammer Truck Sales and immediately called in the fire, according to a report by the Sheriff.

The suspect had a green Honda Accord that had been reported stolen from the Greensboro area that was towed from the scene. Two handgun, two laptops, and canvas bag containing optical equipment were all found in the vehicle and returned to the owner, Eddie Snugg, of Hammer Truck Sales, Sifford said.

Hollingsworth had been reported as a missing person in Charlotte. He has now been removed from NCIC database (National Crime Information Center).

He was charged with possessing burglary tools, possessing stolen goods, arson - second degree, larceny of firearms, and larceny (felony).

Hollingsworth was also served with five other warrant from Onslow and Carteret Counties, according to the arrest report by Rowan County Sheriff's Office.

Hollingsworth was given a $1,009,000 secured bond and is in the Rowan County Detention Center.

By reporter Robin L. Gardner:704-789-9140