Man arrested Friday on theft and drug possession charges in Rutherford Co.

RUTHERFORD COUNTY, NC (FOX Carolina) – The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office arrested a man Friday on theft and drug possession charges after they said he fled the scene of a robbery on foot.

Deputies report that the Highway Patrol Division A-Crew responded to the area near Price Cemetery Road in response to a call reporting that a suspect had stolen several items, including a loaded firearm.

A suspect was located and detained near Duncans Creek Road as he attempted to leave the area on foot, deputies said.

According to deputies, the suspect was identified as 32-year-old Charles Matthew Kelly of Cleveland County and was seen carrying the belt/holster along with a loaded magazine in his pocket that he had previously stolen.

Deputies report Kelly was also found in possession of the following:

approximately 20 grams of methamphetamine
two dosage units of Lorazepam
nine dosage units of Tramadol
four pipes
more syringes

Kelly also led them to a nearby wooded area, where he disposed of the stolen firearm, deputies said.

Kelly was charged with the following:

theft of a firearm
possession of a firearm by a felon
possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver methamphetamine
simple possession program IV controlled substance lorazepam
simple possession program IV controlled substance tramadol
possession of drug paraphernalia
misdemeanor theft

Deputies report that Kelly was already wanted on two outstanding charges, which were failure to appear on a stolen motor vehicle in possession and failure to appear against an opposing public officer.

Kelly is being held on an $80,000 bond.