Lincolnton officials find drugs on woman during arrest for earlier break-in

LINCOLNTON, N.C. — When investigators recognized a woman wanted on breaking and entering charges riding in a car Monday, they pulled the car over and found methamphetamine during a search.

Lincoln County Sheriff's Office Narcotics detectives stopped 46-year-old Sandra Gaul’s car on Gastonia Highway near Gaston-Hillside Drive and took her into custody.

After searching Gaul and the car, detectives found methamphetamine and a glass pipe.

Investigators asked the driver, Billy Schronce, 59, to show them identification and he gave them his wallet. Officials found methamphetamine inside of it. Officials charged him with one felony count of possession of a schedule II controlled substance.

Investigators said Gaul is connected to a house break-in on Oct. 10. Officials said 32 rifles, shotguns, handguns and a credit card were stolen from the Vale house.

Officials obtained warrants for her arrest after surveillance videos showed her trying to use the credit card at several Gastonia stores.

Gaul is charged with one felony count each of breaking and entering, larceny of a firearm, possession of stolen goods and possession with intent to manufacture a controlled substance schedule II.

The guns, estimated at $21,300, have not been found.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office at 704-732-9050, the Lincoln County Communications Center at 704-735-8202 or the Lincolnton/Lincoln County Crime Stoppers at 704-736-8909.

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