BAKERSVILLE – Two men were arrested this past week after Mitchell County Sheriff’s Deputies received a call about a stolen rollback truck.
Deputies received a call Monday, July 13, of a vehicle stolen in the parking area beside P&R Grocery.
The vehicle, a 1999 Ford F-550, belonged to Mitchell County Commissioner Matthew “Vern” Grindstaff.
Witnesses reported seeing the truck pass the Minpro carwash. Officers viewed the video at the carwash and determined one of the suspects involved.
Deputies located the truck Tuesday, July 14 on a dirt road in Avery County. The decals on the vehicle had been painted over.
Ronnie Lee Watson, 38, of Stewart Road, Bakersville, was arrested and charged with felony larceny of a motor vehicle. His bond was set at $25,000 and he is set to appear in court on Aug. 5.
Robert Aaron Wise, 27, of Henson Creek Road, Newland, was also arrested in connection with the case. He was charged with felony larceny of a motor vehicle.
Wise also had existing warrants connected to a recent undercover transaction involving Captain Rick Wiseman and was charged with selling and delivering schedule II substances, possession with intent to manufacture, sell or distribute schedule II substances and possession of drug paraphernalia. His bond was set at $75,000 and he is scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 5.