Two men are in custody facing charges in Alexander County. It’s possible they’ll be facing similar charges in multiple jurisdictions.
On Wednesday, April 13th, Taylorsville Police began an investigation at the Family Dollar Store on Highway 90 West. Two men had entered the store and fraudulently obtained money from an issued gift card and left the store. The clerk gave Police a description of two black males.
It was learned that the duo had attempted the same scenario at other locations including the Taylorsville Dollar General located a couple blocks away.
Around 6:30 pm the suspects were spotted at Dollar General in Stony Point. When Alexander County Sheriff’s Deputies arrived along with Taylorsville Police, one of the subjects attempted to flee the scene on foot. He was quickly captured.
Thomas Cornelius Phifer
Taken into custody was 26-year old Thomas Cornelius Phifer
of Flint Michigan. He’s charged with larceny and felony obtaining property by false pretense. Phifer is being held in the Alexander County Detention Center under a secured bond of $20,000 with a court appearance scheduled for Monday, April 17th in Alexander County District Court.
Clyde Childress III
According to Taylorsville Police Chief Douglas Bowman, the suspects might have been involved in similar crimes in neighboring Iredell County and perhaps other locations, maybe in other states.
Photos: Taylorsville Police Department