Second person arrested in convenience store robbery

Published 11:59 am Friday, March 15, 2019

SALISBURY — The Rowan County Sheriff’s Office arrested a second person Thursday night in an armed robbery at Pop’s Store.

Joseph Kent Waddell, 22, of Cleveland, was arrested after a traffic stop at 3000 Goodman Lake Road.

Spencer Van Botteon, 20, of Salisbury, was arrested and charged Thursday night in the attempted robbery of Kangaroo Express in China Grove and robberies of Rushco in Salisbury and Pop’s Store on U.S. 601 on Wednesday.

Investigators say Waddell and Botteon robbed Pop’s Store armed with a black semi-automatic handgun, taking $1,000.

Police say Botteon robbed Rushco using a handgun, taking $188.67 in cash and cigarettes on Wednesday.

Botteon is being held on a $75,000 bond. Waddell was released on a $25,000 bond.

The Sheriff’s Office said other charges for the two may come.

Other Rowan County Sheriff’s Office reports:

• Police responded to a report at East Rowan High School that a 14-year-old was sending nude photos to her 16-year-old boyfriend using a school-issued laptop Wednesday. No criminal charges were recommended.

• Clifford Murrell, 29, was charged Friday with felony possession of a controlled substance Schedule I.

• Jonathan Joshua Boger, 21, was charged Thursday with felony possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver a controlled substance Schedule VI.