Lenoir County, NC – A late-night traffic stop near Jim Sutton Road and U.S. Highway 70 turned into a significant drug and theft-related investigation after deputies arrested two individuals and recovered a large quantity of burnt copper. The incident, which began as a routine stop, escalated quickly once officers identified an outstanding warrant and a K-9 alerted to possible narcotics inside the vehicle.
Incident overview
Deputies with the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office initiated the traffic stop after observing a vehicle traveling near Jim Sutton Road. Inside were Virginia Stancil and Bobby Thomas, both of whom became the focus of a deeper investigation when deputies confirmed that Thomas had active outstanding warrants. The confirmation prompted officers to detain him while continuing to question the vehicle’s occupants.
K-9 alert leads to narcotics discovery
As the stop continued, K-9 Chaos was deployed to conduct an exterior sniff of the vehicle. The dog gave a positive alert, prompting deputies to perform a full search. Inside, officers reportedly located drug paraphernalia, methamphetamine, and a large amount of suspicious material.
The most unexpected find was approximately 40 pounds of burnt copper, which deputies believe may be linked to theft or illegal scrapping. Investigators noted that the origin of the copper remains unknown, and the material will be examined further to determine whether it was taken from a construction site, business property, or utility location.
Investigation into copper origin
Burnt copper is often linked to metal theft cases where individuals strip wiring or industrial materials before burning off insulation to resell the metal. Deputies stated that determining the source of the copper is now a key part of the ongoing investigation. Cases involving stolen copper have increased in several parts of North Carolina, often resulting in thousands of dollars in infrastructure damage. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether this discovery is connected to any open theft reports.
Arrest details and charges
Following the discovery of narcotics and copper materials, both Stancil and Thomas were arrested and transported to the Lenoir County Magistrate’s Office for processing. Their charges include drug-related offenses and potential theft-related violations pending further investigation into the copper recovery.
Deputies emphasized that the stop demonstrates how routine enforcement can lead to the exposure of more serious criminal activity.
A spokesperson noted:
“This is a clear example of how proactive patrol and the use of trained K-9 units help uncover crimes that might otherwise go unnoticed.”
Community concerns and public safety
Metal theft has become a recurring issue in several North Carolina communities, often affecting utilities, farms, and construction sites. The process of burning copper to remove insulation not only destroys evidence but also poses environmental and fire hazards. Incidents like this highlight the importance of reporting suspicious activity, especially near rural roads or commercial properties.
Local residents in the Jim Sutton Road area have previously raised concerns about late-night vehicle activity and potential theft operations occurring on back roads near major highways. While deputies have not confirmed any direct links between this arrest and those concerns, investigators are comparing the recovered copper with existing theft reports across the county.
Why traffic stops matter in ongoing investigations
Law enforcement officials frequently point out that traffic stops play a major role in identifying individuals involved in broader criminal activity. Outstanding warrants, drug possession, and stolen property are often discovered during these encounters. This incident adds to a growing list of cases where roadside enforcement has led to meaningful arrests and the recovery of valuable materials.
Charges filed
Authorities stated that the charges for both suspects include possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and additional offenses pending the results of the copper investigation. More details may be released as the case progresses and once deputies confirm whether the copper matches any active theft cases.
Conclusion
What began as a routine traffic stop quickly escalated into a multi-layered investigation involving narcotics, warrants, and the recovery of a significant quantity of burnt copper. Deputies are continuing to trace the origin of the material while both suspects remain in custody facing multiple charges.
If you live in Lenoir County and have recently experienced copper theft or related property damage, authorities encourage you to contact the Sheriff’s Office. Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments below.
