FROM STAFF REPORTS

A Clayton man faces a felony charge in connection with the theft of a motor vehicle as a result of the combined efforts of Iredell County Sheriff’s Office deputies and N.C. State Highway Patrol personnel.

Sheriff Darren Campbell announced the arrest of Jesse Mukongo Ridge, 24, of Sugarbush Court, Clayton, in a news release. 

On Friday, September 27, ICSO Deputy A. Leggett responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle in the 2800 block of Newton Drive, Campbell said. The caller stated that an unknown individual and a vehicle were on their property.

Deputy Leggett located the vehicle, but the driver had fled before deputies arrived, Campbell said.

Deputies ran the VIN and license plate through a national database and discovered the vehicle had been reported stolen earlier that day from a car dealership in Durham, according to the news release.

Deputies assigned to the ICSO Aggressive Criminal Enforcement Team, along with the N.C. State Highway Patrol troopers responded and established a perimeter. Sgt. Hodges with Canine Levi and the ICSO drone were deployed during the search.

This coordinated effort led to the successful tracking and arrest of Ridge, according to the news release.

Deputy Leggett transported Ridge to the Iredell County Detention Center, where he was charged with Felony Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle. Magistrate M. Russell issued no bond for Ridge, who was free on bond for other charges.

The Durham Police Department also obtained warrants for Ridge for Felony Larceny of a Motor Vehicle, which were served at the Iredell County Detention Center.