Suspect in custody after elderly woman attacked at recreation center

GRANITE FALLS, N.C. — UPDATE: Since this story was published, investigators say another man actually carjacked the victim and Stevens later got possession of her car. CLICK HERE to read more.

Investigators said they found the car stolen from an elderly woman during an attack at a Caldwell County recreation center.

Police said they found the car at the Walmart in Hickory along Highway 70 earlier this week.

Officers said Donnie Stevens was sleeping in the vehicle and was charged with possession of meth.

The development comes more than a week after police said 82-year-old Joann McLean was attacked while walking on trails near the Granite Falls Recreation Center.

[RELATED: 82-year-old thrown to ground, has car stolen at Caldwell County recreation center]

McLean said she was getting ready to unlock her car when she was grabbed, thrown to the ground, and the suspect took off in her vehicle. The attack was captured on surveillance video.

Police in Hickory did not link the case to Granite Falls because the car's tag had been replaced. Police in Granite Falls developed Stevens as a suspect after the story aired on Channel 9 last week and were checking local jails in hopes of finding him.

Thursday afternoon they learned of the stolen car and went to question Stevens about the case.

"I hope he stays behind bars, for his sake,” said the victim's son, Paul McLean.

Joann McLean, who is still recovering from her injuries, said the car is badly damaged.

“I worked so hard to buy the car and pay cash for it, and now it’s gone,” she said.

The police chief in Granite Falls said Stevens has not been charged in the carjacking at this point because they want to conduct more interviews in the case.

Cox Media Group