Two suspects have been identified and arrested after what authorities describe as a masked home invasion in Alexander County, with two additional juveniles also facing charges. Witnesses dialed 911 on Wednesday after reporting that four men in ski masks ran from a house on Miracle Lane and took off in a vehicle. A car linked to that scene was later stopped by state troopers, and all four suspects are now charged as detectives continue processing the home, collecting evidence, and interviewing witnesses.
Traffic Stop Led to Arrests
According to a news release from the Alexander County Sheriff's Office, the North Carolina Highway Patrol conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of Highway 90 and Lentz Road after receiving a call from an individual who was following a vehicle they believed was involved in the robbery. Deputies from the sheriff's office responded to the original Miracle Lane scene and opened an investigation, with troopers assisting both during and after the traffic stop.
In the words of the release, "Four males wearing ski masks ran from a residence," and investigators later arrested 18-year-old Jordan Ashley Elijah Sweet of Wilkesboro and 16-year-old William Douglas Norton of Taylorsville, along with two other juveniles. Per the sheriff's news release, the suspects face felony counts including robbery with a dangerous weapon, first-degree burglary, second-degree kidnapping, felony conspiracy, felony larceny, and possession of a stolen firearm. Sweet is additionally charged with simple assault.
According to the release, Sweet is being held at the Alexander County Detention Center under a $750,000 secured bond, and Norton is being held at a juvenile detention facility under a similar secured bond. Both are scheduled for a first court appearance on Monday.
Legal Proceedings
Because one defendant is an adult and the others are juveniles, court procedures will move forward on separate tracks: juvenile process for the 16-year-old and adult prosecution for the 18-year-old. Prosecutors will make decisions on formal filings as investigators finish collecting evidence. Authorities say the investigation remains active and are asking anyone with information to contact law enforcement.
