FROM STAFF REPORTS

The Statesville Police Department has arrested a suspect in the April 21 slaying of a Statesville man.

The SPD announced the arrest of Devin Emanuel Rankin, 30, of N. Lackey Street, Statesville, in a news release Friday.

Rankin is charged with first-degree murder and two firearms offenses in connection with the shooting death of Richard Wayne Pledger.

Pledger, 52, died after being shot multiple times at a residence in the 600 block of Stewart Court, police said.

After responding to the scene of the shooting, the SPD Violent Crimes Unit and Criminal Investigations Division immediately initiated an investigation into the homicide.

Through detailed investigative work, the Violent Crimes Unit identified Rankin as a suspect, police said.

After consulting with the District Attorney’s Office, investigators obtained warrants charging Rankin with first-degree murder, possession of a firearm by a felon, and discharging a firearm within city limits.

Officers assigned to he U.S. Marshals Carolina Regional Fugitive Task Force, Iredell County Sheriff’s Office deputies and SPD officers apprehended Rankin at a residence on N. Lackey Street on Thursday, according to the news release.

Rankin was taken to the Iredell County Detention Center, where a magistrate ordered him held without bond due to the severity of the charges.

The SPD expressed its gratitude to the U.S. Marshals task force, the ICSO, N.C. Probation and Parole, and the District Attorney’s Office for their assistance in this case.