Police: Missing Maryland cousins arrested in Statesville Ducati theft

STATESVILLE, NC (WBTV) - Four men, three of whom were cousins reported missing from Maryland, were arrested for stealing a Ducati motorcycle from a local business, according to the Statesville Police Department.

On Sunday September 15, shortly after midnight, officers responded to a business alarm at Southern Truck & Equipment on Northside Drive. Once on scene, the officers saw a white car and an ATV on the edge of the road near the business.

They left the area when the officers arrived, police said.

Police located and stopped the car a short distance away. The occupants were identified as Joshua Lee Carpenter, 17, and Stephen Weston, 20.

Other officers on scene at the business discovered a hole that had been cut in the fence. Personnel from the business confirmed to police that an ATV and a Ducati motorcycle had been stolen.

Based on evidence gathered during the investigation, and interviews that were conducted, Carpenter and Weston were charged with larceny of a motor vehicle, trespassing, and damage to property.

Both were held on a $10,000 secured bond.

Alexander County deputies were involved in the investigation, and assisted in locating the stolen ATV in Stony Point. They also located and arrested two others involved, Joseph Watts, 23, and Jerry Watts, 17, after a foot chase.

Alexander County personnel were also able to recover stolen property from a break-in that took place in their county involving the group, police said.

The stolen Ducati motorcycle was recovered in the parking lot of Monticello Methodist Church on Island Ford Road. Officials told WBTV it had been damaged in an accident.

During the investigation, it was learned that Carpenter and his two cousins, Jerry and Joseph Watts had been reported missing from Maryland.

Jerry and Joseph Watts were charged with larceny of a motor vehicle, trespassing, and damage to property.

Joseph was given a $25,000 secured bond and Jerry was issued a $15,000 secured bond.

All were taken to the Iredell County Detention center.

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