DENVER, N.C. — A 28-year-old Charlotte man was arrested Sept. 23 after attempting to break into a vehicle near Highway 16 and Optimist Club Road in Lincoln County.
Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office deputies apprehended Andres Rodriguez following a short pursuit on foot.
The incident occurred around 5 p.m. when a driver, identified only as Stacey, noticed a masked individual watching his vehicle at the intersection. The suspect approached and attempted to shatter the window before the driver escaped.
Stacey, a Denver resident who requested that only his first name be used due to personal security concerns, observed a masked person watching his SUV. Sensing the individual had malicious goals, Stacey began driving away as the person approached, pulled a metallic item from his trousers, and struck the driver-side window twice.
Despite the attack, Stacey succeeded in turning his vehicle around and escaping. He maintained visual contact with the suspect and relayed details to law enforcement, noting that he remains shocked by the encounter.
Stacey recalled the unexpected nature of the incident occurring during daytime traffic.
“5 o’clock in the afternoon,” Stacey said. “Just everybody there at that intersection. Nah, that couldn’t happen. You are just minutes outside of your own neighborhood.”
Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office deputies located Rodriguez in the area shortly after the report and took him into custody following the brief foot chase.
>>Channel 9 will have more details about how the driver’s close call starting at 5 p.m.
Rodriguez was arrested and charged with attempted breaking and entering of a motor vehicle and resist, delay, or obstruct a public officer. Rodriguez was given a $20,000 secured bond and placed in the Harven A. Crouse Detention Center.