by Leah Justice

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to a Polk County residence the morning of Saturday, Sept. 6 after receiving a call regarding a suspicious man in the resident’s yard who was witnessed to enter the resident’s garage.

When officers arrived, they found Jeremy Banning hiding in the trunk of a vehicle inside the garage, according to sheriff reports.

Banning, 22, of 778 Grays Creek Church Road, Rutherfordton, was immediately taken into custody and charged with possession of a firearm by a felon, two counts of resisting public officer, injury to personal property, attempted larceny, two counts of breaking and entering of a residence and assault on a government official, according to sheriff reports.

The victims also discovered other vehicles had been broken into and damaged as well as property being missing. The property was later located in the woods, states the sheriff report.

Also arrested was Justin Keith Lowery, 28, of 1026 South Broadway Street, Forest City, who was charged with possession of a firearm by a felon, according to the sheriff’s office.

Banning was being held as of Monday, Sept. 8 at the Polk County Detention Facility under a $50,000 secured bond. Banning had his first appearance in court on Monday and is scheduled for another court date on Sept. 17.

Lowery was still being held at the Polk County Detention Facility as of Monday under a $10,000 secured bond. Lowery also had a first court appearance on Monday with his next court date scheduled for Sept. 17.