Timothy Lee Rankin
Sheriff Darren Campbell announced the arrest of Timothy Lee Rankin, 56, of Newbern Avenue, Statesville, in a news release.
ICSO deputies were dispatched to the area of Tucker Road near Statesville in reference to a suspicious person on Wednesday, September 20.
responding Deputies were able to locate a man matching the description of the suspicious person, according to the news release.
While deputies were questioning Rankin, the suspect stated he was in the area to do yardwork for the homeowner and attempted to crank a push mower to impersonate a lawn care worker, Campbell said. When the homeowner was questioned, she indicated that she did not know the man and had not hired anyone to do yardwork, according to the news release.
The suspect then attempted to flee on foot, but he was quickly apprehended by deputies.
During further questioning, Rankin admitted to taking a vehicle earlier the same morning from a different residence, according to the news release. Deputies found various stolen items, including power tools, an air compressor, chainsaws, a generator, and gas cans, inside the vehicle, Campbell said.
Multiple Tucker Road residents called Iredell County emergency communications to report that an individual matching Rankin’s description had been on their property and stolen various items, according to the news release.
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.
Rankin was transported to the Iredell County Detention Center and detained under a $26,000 secured bond on the following charges: 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, and misdemeanor Driving While License Revoked.
The investigation is ongoing.
Photo: Iredell County Sheriff’s Office