RUTHERFORD COUNTY, N.C. — A man known as the “storage unit bandit” has been arrested following a series of thefts from storage units in Rutherford County.
According to the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, Michael Wesly Young Jr. was taken into custody on July 11, after a McSwain Storage employee recognized him from surveillance footage.
The investigation began on July 7 after multiple thefts were reported at McSwain Storage on U.S. Highway 64 in Rutherfordton. Deputies believe the thefts occurred between June 30 and July 7, with Young targeting several units and using bolt cutters to break locks.
Surveillance footage showed Young entering the property at different times and removing tools, generators, firearms, and other personal belongings.
Upon arrest, deputies recovered numerous stolen items from a building linked to Young, including a tricycle, chainsaws, generators, and shotguns. Additional footage revealed he had stolen even more high-value equipment, including a concrete saw.
Young has been charged with multiple counts of breaking and entering and larceny after breaking and entering. He is being held at the Rutherford County Detention Center on a $70,000 bond.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the theft of firearms and encourage anyone with further information to contact the sheriff’s office.
