By Shavonne Walker

shavonne.walker@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — A Charlotte man stole at least $2,000 worth of electronics from Love’s Travel Stop after he had an argument with his girlfriend, authorities say.

The Rowan County Sheriff’s Office charged Steven Thomas Boyd, 48, of the 1000 block of Central Avenue, Charlotte, with felony robbery with a dangerous weapon. He remains in the Rowan County Detention Center under a $10,000 secured bond.

The theft occurred at 2:30 a.m. Tuesday at the convenience store, 1105 Peeler Road off Interstate 85. The clerk told authorities a black man told her he had a weapon and took off with a number of electronic items, including GPS and Bluetooth devices.

The clerk said the man had short hair and was wearing a black shirt and blue jeans. He got into a white Dodge minivan and headed toward the interstate. Deputy C.K. Youngo, who was nearby, heard the description of the vehicle and spotted in near the I-85 South-N.C. 152 interchange.

Youngo caught up with the van, but the driver did not stop, a report said. The van continued slowly on the highway driving an estimated 30 mph to 40 mph. Eventually, the driver stopped and as the deputy waited for other officers to arrive, he said he could see a person in the car who matched the description of the man who robbed the store.

The driver, later identified as Boyd, did not have a gun but he did smell of alcohol, a report said.

Authorities said he had a couple of Rand McNally GPS 8Pro devices and GPS 7Pro devices, valued at about $600 and $500, respectively. Officials have not yet determined whether other items he had came from the truck stop. They include a radar device, magnetic satellite antenna, Brinks home security lock, Yeti cooler and Samsung tablet.

When he was arrested, Boyd told the officers he was sorry for shoplifting. He said he and his girlfriend got into a fight and he stole the items so he could get enough money for a motel room.

Rowan County authorities say further charges may be pending from other agencies.

Contact reporter Shavonne Walker at 704-797-4253.