A Lincoln County Sheriff’s deputy on routine patrol checking property in his district arrested two people who were attempting to steal from a closed mill building.

Deputy Sgt. R. Hoernlen was checking property in the Roseland community when he located several people trespassing inside the property at 1436 Roseland Drive.  When Sgt. Hoernlen drove his patrol car around the back of the building he observed two people standing near a work van with a trailer attached.  At least two other people ran from the scene.

The suspects who were detained are identified as Daron Clayton Fortenberry and Heather Lynn Riggs, both of Salem Church Road, Lincolnton.  While investigating, officers located knives and illegal drugs.  The suspects had been loading metal parts and fire extinguishers from the building onto the trailer.  Deputy A. Georgia assisted with the investigation.

Daron Clayton Fortenberry, 29, and Heather Lynn Riggs, 34, were charged with felony breaking and entering, felony larceny, felony possession of stolen goods, felony conspiracy, felony possession of methamphetamine, felony possession of heroin and possession of drug paraphernalia.