Deputies: Lincolnton business owner holds suspect at gunpoint after break-in

LINCOLNTON, N.C. — Deputies have arrested and charged a theft suspect after a Lincolnton business owner held the man at gunpoint until authorities could arrive.

Matthew Stone Hulett, 32, was charged with one felony count of breaking and entering a building, larceny after breaking and entering, and possession of stolen goods.

(Matthew Stone Hulett)

The situation unfolded just after 5:30 p.m. Thursday at Cronland Lumber Yard on Highway 73.

Deputies said when they got on scene, they found the company's owner Stan Cronland with the suspect Hulett at gunpoint.

Cronland told authorities he saw a white pickup truck parked near his business. Cronland said Hulett tried to drive away, he turned his vehicle to cut Hulett off before he got to the business' gate.

He said he then held Hulett at gunpoint until deputies could arrive on scene.

Cronland said Hulett told him he stole items from the business, but begged him not to call police because he had been to prison previously.

Authorities reported more than $3,000 worth of tools were found in the bed of the pickup truck.

Investigators said they would not advise holding someone at gunpoint, but said the owner acted out of raw emotion. They added the best thing to do is call 911, give helpful information, and let them make the arrest.

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