All that is left of the Dan Nicholas petting barn is a scorched footprint as Union firefighters and park officials look over the scene Monday morning after the structure burned the previous night -Photo by Joey Benton, Salisbury Post

Jerry Lane Harwood

Dan Nicholas's Bob Pendergrass (left) and a Union firefighter walk through the remnants of the petting barn that housed animals for children to interact with. Only a duck, two pheasants and a pair of turtles survived the blaze that took 43 animals lives -Photo by Joey Benton, Salisbury Post

By Shavonne Potts

Salisbury Post

Rowan sheriff’s officials have charged an 18-year-old Rockwell man with the March 2006 burning of the Petting Barn at Dan Nicholas Park. The fire killed dozens of animals and sparked a public outcry.

Sheriff’s officials announced this morning they have charged Jerry Lane Harwood, 18, 109 W. Main St., Rockwell, with burning a public/government structure and 41 counts of animal cruelty.

The officials said more arrests are anticipated as the investigation continues.

Sheriff’s Capt. John Sifford said the department received a tip through Crime Stoppers this month which led to Harwood’s arrest.

Harwood joined the Marines shortly after the fire and is currently listed as AWOL by the military.

He’s also a suspect in a series of automobile burglaries last week in Rockwell.

Investigators from the Rowan Sheriff’s Office and a State Bureau of Investigation agent arrested Harwood outside of his Rockwell apartment on Saturday.

Harwood was placed in the Rowan County Detention Center under a $250,000 secured bond.

Investigators searched Harwood’s apartment and discovered evidence linking Harwood to the recent car break-ins and two business break-ins in the Rockwell area.

The majority of the car break-ins were being investigated by the Rockwell Police Department. Investigators also found three marijuana plants in Harwood’s apartment along with assorted drug paraphernalia and burglary tools.

Anyone with further information about these crimes should contact Detective Sam Henline or Sgt. Chad Moose at the Sheriff’s Office at 704-216-8668.

Anyone may also call Crime Stoppers at 1-866-639-JAIL (5245) if they wish to remain anonymous.

For more details about the case, read Tuesday’s Salisbury Post.

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