Wilkes County Man Arrested On Multiple Felony Charges

A Wilkes County man has been charged for assaulting a victim at their home and stealing $33,000 and a vehicle.

Robert Ray Royal Jr., 42, of Hays, was arrested by the Wilkes County Sheriff’s Office on February 22nd. He is was charged with Felony Common Law Robbery, Felony Larceny of Motor Vehicle, Felony First Degree Kidnapping, Felony Assault Inflicting Serious Bodily Injury, Felony First Degree Burglary, Felony Larceny after Breaking and Entering and Felony Safecracking.

Deputies from the Wilkes County Sheriff’s Office responded to Smithey Drive in Moravian Falls in reference to an armed robbery on February 22nd. Deputies located the victim, cleared the scene, and had medical personnel respond due to a head injury.

After further investigation, it was learned the suspect lay in wait for the victim to return home, attacked the victim, and stole $33,000 in cash and the victim’s 2022 Nissan Rogue. The vehicle was recovered on February 23rd.