Man Arrested After Allegedly Stealing Patrol Car with Crane
The Charlotte Observer - Morganton, NC
02/20/04
A Morganton man was arrested for allegedly stealing a patrol car from a police parking lot using the hydraulic crane on a logging truck, authorities said.
Burke County Sheriff’s deputies said they witnessed a man identified as Jeffery Grady Rose, 33, pick up the car Thursday then put it in the back of the truck and drive away.
The car was assigned to Deputy Chuck Fisher who had stopped by the Sheriff’s Office on his last day to turn in his equipment. Fisher had taken two guns out of the trunk and brought them into the office when Rose hoisted the car.
Deputes said they began chasing the truck in vehicles and on foot, but Rose wouldn’t stop.
Burke County Narcotics Task Force Investigator, Eric Smith, said the truck kept coming toward deputies so he shot the front right tire out with his gun.
Authorities said they don’t have a motive.
Rose was charged with assault on a law enforcement officer with a deadly weapon, felony larceny, possession of stolen goods and damage to personal property. He was jailed under a $50,000 bond and scheduled for a first appearance hearing Friday in Burke County District Court.