HILDEBRAN, NC (WBTV) -
Deputies in Burke County arrested a man they say used a gun
to rob the Dollar General store in Hildebran.
The robbery was reported Tuesday. Deputies were called to
the store on South Center Street after 3 p.m. They interviewed witnesses and
the store clerk.
Witnesses said the gunman was a white man wearing khaki
pants, a blue jean jacket with tan colored sleeves, a black motorcycle helmet,
and he was riding a blue sport motorcycle "crotch rocket". Witnesses said the gunman walked into the
store still wearing the motorcycle helmet, and stood at the end of the cash
register pointing a large silver revolver while demanding the clerk put money
into a black bag.
Once the money was in the bag, witnesses say the man ran out
and jumped on the blue motorcycle. He drove off toward I-40 and Henry River
Road.
Detectives were able to develop a lead due to a recent
investigation. During that investigation, detectives remembered seeing a blue
sport style motorcycle nearby at a residence on Rudisill Street off Henry River
Road.
Several detectives went to the home on Rudisill Street and
found the motorcycle they recalled did fit the description given by witnesses.
They contacted the homeowner and learned the homeowner had a son who matched
the suspect's description.
Detectives searched the home, but did not find the suspect.
They did find a black motorcycle helmet, a black computer bag, and a
silver-colored revolver believed to have been used in the robbery. The items
were seized.
A warrant was issued for 24-year-old Rodney Dean Payne.
Wednesday morning, Payne's father contacted detectives and said Payne wanted to
turn himself in. Within the hour, Payne met with detectives. He was arrested
and taken to the Burke County Sheriff's Office, where he confessed to his
involvement in the Armed Robbery and provided a written statement.
Payne is being held at the Burke Catawba Detention Facility
under a $50,000 secured bond.
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