By Shavonne Potts
spotts@salisburypost.com
ROCKWELL — Authorities are looking for thieves who broke into a number of vehicles in a Rockwell neighborhood.
Michelle Fox, of 650 Cornelius Road, was sitting inside her vehicle when someone opened her door and took her purse. The incident occurred around 4 a.m. She told a Rowan County Sheriff’s deputy the thief was wearing dark clothing.
A dog was called in to search the area, but was unable to locate a suspect, a report said. Several other people in the neighborhood also reported similar thefts.
Sheriff’s Deputy D.M. Butler is investigating.
Daniel Scott reported his vehicle, at 583 Cornelius Road, was broken into and a pistol taken. Scott reported the incident around 6 a.m. to Sheriff’s deputy K.L Myers.
Scott told the deputy the only thing he could tell was missing was his Ruger 380 pistol with a laser sight, valued at $480.
Russell Johnson of 145 Sam Euart Road, which intersects Cornelius Road, reported a checkbook and other items were taken from his vehicle.
The incident was reported to Sheriff’s Deputy M.S. Murray around 6:43 a.m. The deputy located items including a Social Security card found by a dog tracking a nearby area.
The deputy contacted Johnson and his wife, Heather, told the deputy they’d just discovered their vehicles had been broken into and were they were just going to call authorities.
Russell Johnson’s Ford pickup was entered, his checkbook and garage opener were taken. Heather Johnson’s Toyota Corolla was broken into and a checkbook and wallet were taken, as well as her driver’s license and motorcycle permit.
Reports said both vehicles were unlocked.
Sheriff’s Deputy M.T. Poole responded to 705 Cornelius Road where Crystal Hamrick reported someone took an Ipod Nano from her car. She reported the incident shortly after 7 a.m. She was getting into her vehicle when she noticed someone had gone through the vehicle.
Natalie Spinella reported her vehicle, a Ford Explorer, was parked at her home at 745 Sam Euart Road was broken into, but nothing appeared to be taken.
Spinella told Deputy M.S. Murray the vehicle was secure between 9:30 p.m. Sunday and 7:20 a.m. on Monday.
Her glove box was open and a cosmetic bag was opened.
Cassie Haynes reported at 8:44 a.m. her unlocked vehicle was broken into and a Nintendo DS game system was taken along with 10 games. Haynes, of 647 Cornelius Road, indicated no other items appeared to have been taken.
Eric Spencer, of 751 Cornelius Road, reported to Deputy K.L. Myers someone broke into his unlocked Jeep Grand Cherokee sometime between 10 p.m. Sunday and 10:30 a.m. on Monday. It appeared the only items taken were change from his ashtray and an older Ipod, he told authorities.
All of these break-ins were reported Monday morning.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office at 704-216-8700 or Crime Stoppers at 1-866-639-5245.