In Caldwell County, a man named Dylan Kyler Tolbert, age 28, has been detained following allegations of a violent crime spree that included sexual assault, robbery, and vehicle theft. The incident occurred at a Lenoir convenience store in the early morning hours of Monday. Local authorities reported that the suspect was apprehended on an unrelated matter on yesterday, with the Caldwell County Detention Center confirming his arrest and a bond set at $350,000.
Tolbert is accused of entering the Run-In convenience store at approximately 1:55 am, where he allegedly sexually assaulted the store clerk, then proceeded to steal money from the victim and the register. Afterward, he fled the scene in the clerk’s vehicle, according to the police. The stolen car was later found crashed and abandoned near the store. Despite an initial search, the suspect was not located at that time, WBTV reports.
Following continued investigation, Lenoir Police connected the prior incidents with Tolbert, developing probable cause to formally charge him. While Tolbert was originally picked up for an unrelated matter, his capture on July 16 led investigators to piece together his involvement in the crimes at the Run-In store. In his first court appearance in Caldwell District Court, the charges against Tolbert were processed, with "no further information will be released at this time," WCNC reports.
The initial response to the crime scene was prompt with officers arriving soon after the incident was reported. During the ordeal, the victim indicated no weapons were used. Surveillance footage is said to have pictured the suspect, and the Lenoir Police Department has solicited public assistance in further identifying details linked to the case, as reported by WYFF4.
