NEWS RELEASE
Date/Time of Offense: Wednesday, September 20, 2023.
Charge(s)/Offense(s): Felony Breaking and Entering
Felony Possession of Burglary Tools
Four Counts of Misdemeanor Larceny
Misdemeanor Damage to Property
Misdemeanor Resist, Obstruct, and Delay of an Officer
Misdemeanor Driving While License Revoked
Location: Multiple residences on Tucker Road in Statesville
Suspect: Timothy Lee Rankin, 56 Years Old
715 Newbern Avenue
Statesville, North Carolina 28677
Sheriff Darren Campbell stated: On Wednesday, September 20, 2023, Iredell County Sheriff’s Office Deputies were dispatched to the area of Tuckers Road in Statesville, in reference to a suspicious person. Sergeant D. Stutts, Lieutenant D. Christian, and Deputy D. Frye responded to the area and were able to locate the suspicious person. When Deputies began to question the man, Timothy Lee Rankin, he stated he was there to do yardwork for the homeowner and attempted to crank a push mower to impersonate a lawn care worker. The homeowner was then questioned about this and she indicated that she did not know the man nor did she have someone doing the yardwork for her.
The suspect then attempted to flee on foot but was quickly apprehended by deputies. Upon further questioning the suspect admitted to taking the vehicle earlier the same morning from an additional victim. Inside of this vehicle were various stolen items including power tools, an air compressor, chainsaws, a generator, and gas cans.
Multiple victims on Tucker Road started calling into ECOM reporting that a suspect matching the same description had been on their property and had stolen various items.
Detective J. Graves and Detective K. Campbell arrived on the scene to canvass the area and continue the investigation. They spoke with neighbors and witnesses and were able to determine where the stolen property came from.
Deputy Frye arrested and transported Rankin to the Iredell County Detention Center where he was brought before Magistrate Watkins who issued a 26,000.00 dollar secured bond.
The case is ongoing and more charges are forthcoming.