Authorities have charged two brothers who they say robbed a South Main Street business Tuesday after a failed attempt to rob the same business on Friday.
Christopher Lee McCrary, 18, and William Jeffrey McCrary Jr., 23, both of Grants Creek Road, are each charged with common law robbery, robbery with a dangerous weapon and assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury, all felonies, the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office said.
A thief tried to rob the Highway 29 Indoor Flea Market on Friday. Owner Gerald Burkhart called authorities to report someone came into the store, but didn’t take anything.
The store, located at 5675 S. Main St., was in disarray when officers arrived. The thief walked in asked to sell a ladder, then asked for change. When Burkhart opened the drawer the thief reached for the cash.
Burkhart and the man struggled over the drawer until the man let go, sending Burkhart falling backward and the money to the floor. Both McCrary brothers are believed to have been there during the attempted robbery, the Sheriff’s Office said.
Officials said the brothers went back to the store Tuesday shortly after 5:30 p.m. and robbed Burkhart, taking cash from the register. Burkhart grabbed the leg of one and was struck with a tire iron, said Detective Chad Moose. He had cuts on his nose and ear and he was treated by EMS at the scene.
Investigators found the tire iron, along with some cash, on a ramp outside the store.
Detectives identified the brothers as suspects, went to their Grants Creek Road home and found the McCrarys and the money in the home, according to a report. Investigators believe the motive for the robberies was drug related. Officers found used needles in the home.
William McCrary had money from the store in his pocket and his brother was on the couch with money around him, Moose said. Both remained in the Rowan County jail today, each under a $350,000 secured bond.
Christopher McCrary is expected to be in a Cabarrus County courtroom in July regarding various traffic infractions and driving while impaired. William McCrary was most recently issued citations for various traffic infractions including driving while license revoked. He was previously convicted of drug possession.