Accused motorcycle thief held at gunpoint

By: Matthew Hensley | Morganton News Herald
Published: February 11, 2012

CONNELLY SPRINGS --

For the second time in less than a week, a Burke County man held a would-be thief at gunpoint after catching him in the act.

Two others were arrested in the incident after deputies called out search dogs.

Charged were:

» Ashton Clough, 17, of 161 Dogwood St.

» Cody Hampton, 20, of 1065 Perry Court, Granite Falls

» Jordan Shearouse, 19, of 1321 Baton Church Road, Granite Falls

Sheriff’s Detective Don McLeod said Douglas Roper came home to find three men attempting to use his truck to steal one of his motorcycles from his 161 Dogwood St. home.

Roper is Clough’s stepfather.

The three men ran into the woods while Roper called 911, McLeod said. Hampton came back out of the woods and Roper held him at gunpoint while waiting for deputies.

When officers arrived, they used dogs to track the two others into the woods and quickly found both.

All three were charged with felony larceny and possession of stolen goods.

Bonds were set at $15,000 secured for Clough and Hampton and $5,000 secured for Shearouse.

Clough was convicted of larceny last month and is serving six months probation, according to the N.C. Department of Correction.