By Shavonne Potts
spotts@salisburypost.com
Authorities say witnesses saw a China Grove man stealing trailer hitches from the Webb Road Flea Market and when Rowan County Sheriff’s Office deputies stopped him later Saturday, they found nine hitches in the back of his vehicle.
Brian Keith Ritchie, 31, of 1455 Bostian Road, had the hitches in the back of his Chevy pickup, Sheriff’s Capt. John Sifford said.
“We got a call that he was taking them from the flea market,” Sifford said.
Deputies charged Ritchie with possession of a schedule IV controlled substance from a previous incident. He was released on a written promise to appear in court.
He had not been charged Tuesday in relation to the trailer-hitch thefts.
Authorities say they need victims to come forward in order to begin charging Ritchie with individual thefts.
Anyone who believes their trailer hitch was taken can contact the Sheriff’s Office at 704-216-8700.