FROM STAFF REPORTS

A Denton man and a teenage runaway face charges in connection with a burglary at a Dollar General store in Iredell County over the weekend.

On Sunday, November 26, Iredell County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. N. Hodges responded to the Dollar General located at 2147 Old Mountain Road in reference to a burglar alarm activation.

According to an ICSO news release, the store’s surveillance cameras captured video of two suspects gathering items inside the store and then leaving through the front door, which was unlocked when deputies arrived.

Deputies quickly established a perimeter in the area, and Sergeant E. Line of the Aggressive Criminal Enforcement Team deployed Canine Wilbur, who tracked the suspects’ scent for approximately half a mile and located several stolen items that had been dropped, according to the news release.

The suspects were located running in a wooded area by the store and were taken into custody without incident, Sheriff Darren Campbell said.

The male suspect, who gave deputies an invalid name, was identified as Jesse James Asbury, 18, of Denton. The other suspect was a juvenile female who had been reported missing in Gatlinburg, Tenn.

Approximately $425 worth of items were reported stolen, according to the news release.

Deputy J. Garcia arrested Asbury and transported him to the Iredell County Detention Center. He was charged with Felony Breaking and Entering, Felony Larceny after Breaking and Entering, and Misdemeanor Resisting Public Officer. Magistrate Nicholson issued a $5,000 secured bond. 

The juvenile female was then transported to Alexander County Juvenile Detention Center.