On October 11, 2018, 12:33 pm, officers were called to investigate a larceny of motor vehicle incident at Walmart, 197 Plaza Drive, Forest City, NC. With assistance of Walmart staff, officers were able to obtain photographs of the suspects, which was disseminated to the public. Both suspects have been identified in this matter. Franklin Joshua Abernathy, age 29, of 80 Hwy 9 South, Mill Spring, NC was located by Polk County Sheriff’s Office. Abernathy was arrested and transported to Forest City Police Department where he was charged with larceny of a motor vehicle. Abernathy received a $15,000 secured bond and was placed in the custody of the Rutherford County Jail. The second suspect is a juvenile and officers will be seeking a juvenile petition for his involvement in the matter.
Late yesterday afternoon, the stolen vehicle, a 2013 Honda Civic, was located abandoned in Polk County by the sheriff’s office and returned to the victim.
We would like to thank those who called in and messaged Forest City Police Department with information in this matter. We would like to also thank the Polk County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance.
