Police: Two wanted in college burglaries turn themselves in

Published 10:41 am Wednesday, February 22, 2017

SALISBURY — Police say two men wanted in connection with burglaries on the campus of Catawba College have turned themselves in to authorities in their respective towns.

Salisbury Police had asked for the public’s help to find Justin Traig Sterling, 21, of Monroe and Elias Phillip Francis, 19, of Mint Hill after they were developed as suspects in robberies at a couple of dorm rooms on campus.

The suspects entered a dorm room and took clothing, electronics and jewelry on Feb. 14 and the next day went into another dorm room, which was ransacked. The pair went into an adjoining dorm room and pointed a gun at the victim, demanded his property and his roommate’s property.

Elias Francis contacted Mint Hill authorities and was arrested there. Justin Sterling turned himself in to Monroe law enforcement. Two will be charged with one count of robbery with a dangerous weapon, two counts of felony breaking and entering, and one count of felony larceny.

— Shavonne Walker