A press release from the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office
On Saturday, April 25, Deputy M. Dyson responded to a commercial burglary alarm at Lake Norman Airport, arriving within three minutes of being dispatched.
When he arrived, Deputy Dyson found an ATV with the driver’s side door open and several items scattered nearby. He 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.
With assistance from the Mooresville Police Department, 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 suspects fled in a vehicle.
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.
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 Justice Marcell Phillips, 20, of Statesville.
Phillips was arrested by the Calhoun County Deputies 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 April 27, 2026, deputies were called back to the airport after additional property damage was discovered. 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.
Iredell County Sheriff Darren Campbell