Gaston police say man targets daycare drop-offs

GASTONIA, N.C. — (AP) Gaston County police have arrested a man and accused him of taking items from vehicles parked at 16 different daycare centers.

The Gaston Gazette reported that 30-year-old Brandon Lee Bowles of Ranlo also has been accused of stealing from vehicles at an assisted living center. It was not clear if he has an attorney.

Capt. Jay Human sais Bowles targeted women's purses left in their unlocked vehicles as they dropped off their children.

The thefts occurred from cars parked at daycare centers in Belmont, Bessemer City, Cherryville, Dallas, Gastonia, Kings Mountain and Stanley.

The theft at the assisted living center also occurred in Cherryville.

WSOC