By Shavonne Walker

shavonne.walker@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — A report of shots fired led law enforcement officers to a Salisbury teenager who is now accused of stealing a rifle from a vehicle.

Anthony Mason Cunningham, 18, of the 200 block of Allen Lane, was charged with felony breaking and entering; felony breaking and entering a motor vehicle; felony larceny; felony larceny after breaking and entering; felony larceny of a firearm; felony possession of a firearm by a felon; felony possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver a controlled substance; and misdemeanor possession of marijuana paraphernalia.

Rowan County Sheriff’s Office investigators spoke with a couple in the 100 block of Barrier Lane, not far from Allen Lane, who said Monday that the husband left for work about 6:25 a.m. and his wife left about three hours later. She returned to the house about noon to find dirt at her kitchen window and a mess on the floor.

The couple soon realized they were missing some items and called authorities. A neighbor said she saw a white man in the area who didn’t look familiar. The man was wearing a zippered hooded sweatshirt, sweatpants and a red shirt. The neighbor said the man had something tucked under his arm.

The couple reported missing a nail gun, jewelry, coins and medication valued at $150.

On Tuesday, a man reported that his vehicle was broken into early that morning while it was parked at Sharp Transit, 1355 Long Ferry Road, where he works. His Benelli shotgun and the case it was in were taken from his vehicle. The gun was valued at $1,500 and the case, $40. A report said a camouflage jacket valued at $170 was also taken from the vehicle.

The man said he had gone home for lunch and returned, then noticed that the gun was missing. The business had security video of the suspect going through cars, an investigator said.

Detectives went to a nearby mobile home park to begin their search when they received a call about shots being fired in the area.

Detectives located Cunningham at his home, obtained a search warrant and found items stolen in the two break-ins. They also found a marijuana plant in his bedroom, a report said.

Cunningham remains in the Rowan County Detention Center under a $30,000 secured bond.

Detective Chad Moose said investigators expect more charges to be filed against Cunningham.