Drivers of all vehicles should breathe easier now that a group of teens are in custody for throwing large rocks off of North Carolina overpasses. Five teens, ages 13-15, were detained late Friday, Feb. 24 after calls were received about a tractor-trailer hit by a hail of rocks.
The assault caused significant damage to the roof of the truck and the front side of the trailer. The driver was not injured by the incident but was understandably upset with the kids.
As the search for the assailants began, deputies brought out a drone equipped with a thermal imaging camera to assist with the operation. The drone was able to detect a pack of heat signatures hiding in the woods near the overpass.
A foot chase began and two of the kids were detained at the scene. The others were located shortly afterward.
Due to their ages, all five suspects now face criminal charges for their actions via petitions issued by the Department of Juvenile Justice. Due to their classification as juveniles, the suspect’s identities cannot be released. They are released into their parent’s custody until the court date.
Union County Sheriff Eddie Cathey adds “Throwing large rocks off of a bridge at commercial motor vehicles traveling on the Monroe Expressway could have seriously injured or killed one of the drivers who were just trying to work hard and provide for their families. The deputies investigating this incident were able to respond quickly and utilized the right equipment to locate, identify, and ensure the juveniles responsible for this incident will be held accountable.”
Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the UCSO Main Office at (704)283-3789 or Union County Crime Stoppers at (704)283-5600.
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