On January 4, 2023, the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office responded to US HWY 220 BUS. N., Randleman, in reference to a subject harassing customers at a business. The caller provided a NC registration plate number matching that of a vehicle reported stolen to the Forrest City Police Department, NC.
Upon arrival, an employee at the business reported the subject left in the vehicle headed North on US 220 BUS. Shortly thereafter, the deputy located the vehicle approximately two miles North of the reported incident on the shoulder of the roadway. The male subject, later identified as Blake Ronald Barnes of Forrest City, NC, was located standing behind the vehicle. The deputy detained Barnes for investigation.
Additional units responded to assist with the search of Barnes and the vehicle. During the search, deputies located a firearm and wallet with ID that was also entered stolen. Contact was made with the Forrest City Police Department, who advised that Blake Barnes was a listed suspect for the stolen vehicle.
Barnes was transported to the Randolph County Detention Center where became combative and uncooperative. He appeared before the magistrate, who found probable cause for charges of felony possession of stolen motor vehicle, felony possession of stolen firearm, felony possession of stolen goods/property, and misdemeanor resist public officer. He was issued a $20,000.00 secured bond and a first appearance was set for January 6, 2023, in Randolph County District Court.
Names of Defendant:
Blake Ronald Barnes
Age: 26