IFN Staff

Two suspects have been charged with assaulting and robbing a local pastor on New Year’s Day.

The Statesville Police Department announced the arrests of David Malachi Harris, 36, of Hickory and Jaddin Allen Norris, 20, of Taylorsville in a news release on Thursday afternoon.

The SPD is investigating an incident that occurred on January 1 in the 1400 block of Alexander Street. The pastor was renovating the church when he was attacked and robbed, police said. The suspects also stole his vehicle, according to the news release.

Three suspects, including Harris and Norris, were working alongside the pastor during the renovation process at the time of the assault and robbery, police said.

Harris carried out the assault and theft of the pastor’s vehicle, according to the news release. Norris acted as an accomplice by following in a separate vehicle and later assisted Harris after the stolen vehicle was abandoned, police said.

Both individuals have been apprehended.

Harris is charged with assault inflicting serious bodily injury, common law robbery, larceny of a motor vehicle, larceny and misdemeanor assault. Harris is being held on an $89,500 bond

Norris is charged with two counts of being an accessory after the fact. He is being held on a $10,000 bond.

The Statesville Police Department expressed its gratitude to the Hickory Police Department for their critical support during this investigation. The HPD’s assistance was instrumental in locating and apprehending the suspects, police said.

This case remains an active investigation. The SPD encourages anyone with additional information to contact the department at 704-878-3406 to provide any relevant details.