LINCOLN COUNTY, N.C. — A Lincoln County man made a disturbing discovery when he came home on Monday, deputies said.
Lincoln County deputies were called to a home on North Ingleside Farm Road in Iron Station when a man said he found a stranger standing in his kitchen wearing the homeowner's clothes and shoes. The homeowner said he immediately called 911 and the suspect, 46-year-old Tanou Chittamath of Gastonia, was arrested.
People who live in the area say it's a normally quiet neighborhood and were shocked the hear the news.
“It was around 11:40 a.m. when the police were pulling into the neighbor’s house. There were 3 to 4 police cars,” Emily Laye, a Lincoln County resident, said. “It’s bizarre ... Very bizarre, not something you see every day.”
“I guess it is a little concerning, a little bit odd, a little bit like what is the backstory there,” Brian Motes, a nearby resident, said. “You don’t expect that anywhere even in a big city, small town, or a rural area like this. It brings up many questions like is there a mental illness part of that? I hope he gets the help he needs.”
Deputies allege they found two bags outside the house containing items the suspect intended to steal. They also found a bicycle outside a building on the property. Deputies also found items from a nearby home on Golden Eagle Trail that was broken into.
A reminder to neighbors, never be too careful.
“A lot of it is having the ring doorbell cameras, having the security cameras and making sure that when we go got bed at night everything is locked,” Motes said. “When we leave here everything is locked.”
Chittamath was charged with two counts of breaking and entering, larceny after breaking and entering and possession of stolen goods. Chittamath was not given a bond.
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