Early Thursday morning, Iredell County deputies responded to an incident at Mount Morne Fire Department on Mecklenburg Highway. According to WCCB Charlotte, 33-year-old Nicholas Allan Payret was apprehended after he allegedly broke into the firehouse and was caught in the act of theft and vandalism. Deputies arrived just before 6 a.m. to discover Payret amidst his alleged crime spree.
Sources indicate that once inside, Payret proceeded to break into multiple vehicles, stealing items and causing property damage. Law enforcement is currently reviewing the extent of vehicles affected and the nature of the stolen items. Queen City News reports that several personal items belonging to fire personnel were also damaged during the spree.
This isn't the first instance of such infractions in the area, but the setting—a sanctuary of rescue and emergency response—casts a particularly incongruous backdrop to the act of desecration implied by theft and property damage. Payret now faces multiple charges, including first-degree felony burglary, two counts of felony breaking and entering of a motor vehicle, three counts of felony larceny after breaking and entering, misdemeanor disorderly conduct, and four counts of misdemeanor damage to personal property, as described in the report from WBTV.
The Iredell County Detention Center confirmed that Payret is being held on a $102,500 secured bond. The court dates and legal counsel for Payret have not been made public at the time of reporting. As the case progresses, more details are expected to emerge regarding the motivations and full scope of the damages incurred at the Mount Morne Fire Department.
