Authorities say a High Point man, who reportedly took guns and money from his brother’s Gold Hill home while his brother was away, felt remorse for his actions, and turned around on Hwy. 49 to return the items.
Before he could get back to Gold Hill, his car flipped.
When authorities arrived at the scene, they found the stolen guns.
He was taken to the hospital, and eventually to the Rowan County Detention Center.
James Edward Penley, 53, of 2001 West Rotary Drive, was charged with possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of a stolen firearm and felony breaking and entering. He was given a $25,000 secured bond.
Authorities were able to question Penley at Northeast Medical Center, where he confessed to breaking into his brother’s house in Gold Hill, the report said.
Suffering only minor injuries, Penley was released into the custody of the sheriff’s office.
Penley told investigators he used a hidden key to enter the home.
He took two rolls of quarters, $300 cash and three guns – a Taurus 9mm, Derringer .380 and Bersa .380.
Penley was convicted of first-degree rape in 1973, and sentenced to life.
He was released in October of 2008.