By Nathan Hardin
nhardin@salisburypost.com
SALISBURY — A Rowan County detective arrested two men during a scrap metal investigation this week.
But neither were charged with taking scrap metal.
According to reports from the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office, Det. John Brindle wanted to speak with Darrell Djuane Parks’ about several scrap metal larcenies in the county and tracked down Parks’ cousin, James Watkins, to ask him about a suspicious vehicle.
Watkins told Brindle he let Parks drive his vehicle during the day while Watkins was at work for the city of Salisbury sanitation division on West Franklin Street, according to arrest reports.
But Watkins also told deputies he didn’t know Parks’ address or telephone number.
Brindle waited at the business’ parking lot and saw Parks arrive in Watkins’ car later that day.
Brindle asked him if he had gotten a call from Watkins and Parks said Watkins called and said a detective was looking for him.
Parks, of 206 Mocksville Ave. Apt. 4, also admitted that Watkins knew where he lived.
According to reports, Brindle checked a police database and found Parks was a fugitive out of Georgia. He was wanted for violating probation.
Parks was charged with driving while license revoked, failing to appear in court and felony fugitive from justice.
He was in jail Wednesday under a $26,000 bond.
After getting warrants on Parks, Brindle also charged Watkins with filing a false police report.
Watkins was not listed on the jail’s website Wednesday afternoon.
Deputies are continuing to investigate the case.