FROM STAFF REPORTS

A resident of eastern Iredell County faces many charges following an investigation into reports of numerous catalytic converters being stolen from vehicle throughout the county.

The Iredell County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division began an investigation after receiving numerous reports, Sheriff Darren Campbell said in a news release.

During the investigation, detectives gathered enough evidence to identify Matthew Lamonte Cowan, 34, as a suspect, according to the news release.

Cowan had previously been charged with committing similar offenses, including stealing a battery and two catalytic converters from a church bus, and he had stolen a catalytic converter and attempted to steal a second from a local business in Statesville, the sheriff said.

After obtaining an arrest warrant for Cowan and receiving additional information, detectives went to a location on Crest Drive in eastern Iredell County.

When deputies arrived at the home, they spoke with Trena Blackmon, who resides at the residence. Blackmon denied that Cowan was in the residence and would not let detectives in to search, according to the news release.

Detectives informed Blackmon that they were going to obtain a search warrant to look for Cowan and evidence in this case. While detectives were securing the house to make sure all occupants were outside, they found Cowan hiding in a bedroom, Campbell said. Cowan arrested without incident.

Blackmon, 47, was also arrested and charged with misdemeanor resist, obstruct and delay of a law enforcement officer. She received a $2,000 secured bond.

After securing the search warrant, detectives located catalytic converters, tools used to remove the catalytic converters, and other various vehicle parts, according to the news release.

Detectives also found marijuana, Xanax, and drug paraphernalia inside the residence.

Cowan was taken to the Iredell County Detention Center, where he was charged with three counts of felony larceny of vehicle parts, two counts of misdemeanor injury to personal property, misdemeanor larceny, misdemeanor possession of a schedule VI controlled substance, misdemeanor possession of a schedule IV controlled substance, misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia, and misdemeanor resist, delay and obstruct a law enforcement officer.

Cowan appeared before Magistrate Chambers, who issued a $40,000 secured bond on these charges.

This investigation is ongoing and detectives are working with surrounding counties and agencies and sharing information. Rowan County Sheriff’s Office has also charged Cowan with similar crimes that occurred in their jurisdiction.