By Shavonne Potts
Salisbury Post
Rowan sheriffís 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.
Sheriffís 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.
Sheriffís Capt. John Sifford said the department received a tip through Crime Stoppers this month which led to Harwoodís arrest.
Harwood joined the Marines shortly after the fire and is currently listed as AWOL by the military.
Heís also a suspect in a series of automobile burglaries last week in Rockwell.
Investigators from the Rowan Sheriffís 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 Harwoodís 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 Harwoodís 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 Sheriffís 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 Tuesdayís Salisbury Post.

ON THE WEB:
View Jerry Harwood’s myspace page – click here – WARNING: CONTENT MAY BE DISTURBING