January 4, 2022
By: Dwayne Page
A 44-year-old man is facing a rash of burglary and theft charges and will make a court appearance January 13. Byron Ray Wilson’s bond on all charges totals $217,500.
Wilson’s first encounter with the Sheriff’s Department last month occurred on December 13 when a deputy spotted Wilson and tried to arrest him. Wilson had been indicted by the Grand Jury on charges of escape and theft of property (2,500-$10,000)
Sheriff Patrick Ray explained that “while enroute to a call for service a deputy spotted a vehicle with a man driving who appeared to be Wilson. Knowing that Wilson was wanted on felony warrants, the officer turned around to stop the vehicle, but it fled. The deputy caught up with the automobile at a residence on Smith Road, but Wilson jumped from the vehicle and fled on foot. While conducting a registration check, the officer learned that the vehicle, a Chevrolet Caprice, was stolen in Putnam County.
Eleven days later, on December 24 another deputy was on Old Mill Hill Road when he spotted a black and blue Can Am Maverick Side by Side matching the description of one reported stolen. When the Side by Side turned onto New Home Road the deputy activated his emergency lights and began a short pursuit as the Side by Side tried to flee traveling at speeds exceeding 67 miles per hour. After an investigation the officer determined that Wilson had been driving the Side by Side.
In addition to the grand jury indictment, Wilson’s charges include the following:
*Aggravated Burglary: On December 20 Wilson broke into a residence on Shady Drive.
*Auto Burglary and Theft of Property over $10,000: On December 23 Wilson stole a 2021 Can Am Maverick Side By Side valued at $28,000. It was stolen from a location on Big Hurricane Road.
*Theft of Property: On December 23 Wilson stole several items from a truck on Big Hurricane Road including an iPhone7, USB link, Shop Vac among other things with a total value of $1,464.
*Burglary and Theft of Property: On December 21 Wilson stole a 2011 Chevrolet E25 van valued at $10,000. It was stolen from a location on Short Mountain Highway.
*Theft of Property: On December 25 Wilson stole 2 Mechanic Choice wrenches and a roll of shop towels with a total value of $17.50. They were stolen from a location on Short Mountain Highway.
*Burglary of outbuilding, Auto Burglary, and Theft of Property: On December 25 Wilson tried to steal a 1998 GMC 3500 which held toolboxes, and air compressor and a welder with a total value of $15,000. This occurred at a location on Short Mountain Highway.
*Auto Burglary: On December 23 Wilson broke into a 2018 International Box Truck.