BB gun bandit accused of firing shots into several Caldwell Co. businesses

CALDWELL COUNTY, N.C. — Deputies have arrested a man accused of firing a BB gun into several Caldwell County businesses.

For weeks now, deputies in both Caldwell and Burke counties have been working cases involving a BB gun bandit targeting not only businesses, but several local fire departments across the area.

Deputies said a 911 call after a business south of Lenoir was hit overnight led officials to Joseph Beard.

Beard was taken into custody early Tuesday morning after deputies said they pulled him over and found a BB gun in his car.

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Channel 9's Dave Faherty learned some area businesses have thousands of dollars worth of damage from the shootings. The 911 caller said one of the windows exploded when shots were fired into the business.

"It's stupid. It's just pure stupid vandalism," said business owner Walter Moore.

Authorities said Beard’s car matched the description of a dark-colored Dodge Charger deputies in Burke County said was spotted shooting into more businesses and a local fire department.

At Lovelady Fire and Rescue near Valdese, 10 windows and two fire trucks were damaged during the last two weeks.

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Beard has been charged with two counts of damage to personal property, but deputies said more charges are expected to come. Beard’s bond was set at $35,000 dollars.

No injuries were reported.

Cox Media Group