Sheriff: Suspect charged with breaking into Lake Norman Airport

Posted on by Mike Fuhrman

IFN Staff

A suspect faces criminal charges in connection with a break-in that occurred at the Lake Norman Airport on Saturday, April 25.

Justice Phillips

Sheriff Darren Campbell announced the arrest of Justice Marcell Phillips, 20, of Diane Lane, Statesville, in a news release.

Deputy M. Dyson responded to a commercial burglary alarm at Lake Norman Airport, arriving within three minutes of being dispatched on Saturday, according to the news release.

Upon arrival, Deputy Dyson found an ATV with the driver-side door open and several items scattered nearby, Campbell said. The deputy also observed significant damage to the business, including a partially shattered front door and two broken windows. Despite the damage, it appeared that no one had gained entry into the building, according to the news release.

With assistance from Mooresville Police Department officers, deputies quickly established a perimeter. Deputy J. Berrier and Canine Enyo conducted a track that led to the parking lot, where it is believed the suspect or suspects fled in a vehicle, Campbell said.

The business sustained approximately $2,500 in damage to the doors and windows.

Detective Moore continued the investigation. Through further investigation, detectives were able to identify a suspect vehicle connected to the incident, the sheriff said.

It was later learned that deputies with the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office in South Carolina located the suspect vehicle fully engulfed in flames on Interstate 26. Through the investigation, the suspect was identified as Phillips, according to the news release.

Phillips was arrested by the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office on charges of impeding the roadway, providing false information, and resisting arrest.

Based on evidence gathered during the investigation, Deputy Dyson obtained warrants charging Phillips with felony breaking and entering a motor vehicle and felony attempted breaking and entering a building.

Phillips remains in custody in South Carolina on those charges.

On Monday, April 27, deputies were called back to the airport after additional property damage was discovered, according to the sheriff.

Detectives and crime scene investigators responded and processed a damaged aircraft, with estimated losses of approximately $50,000. An additional warrant was obtained for Phillips for felony damage to property.