Suspect arrested in connection with arson, theft at Lake Norman Charter School

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Police have arrested the person of interest in a case of larceny and property damage that occurred August 4 at Lake Norman Charter School.

Brandon Ray Perry, 35, was arrested Thursday morning at his home. He has been charged with four felonies: breaking and entering, larceny after breaking and entering, larceny, and burning of a building.

The Huntersville Police Department said a white Ford F-150 pickup truck was seen entering the school along Hambright Road around 6:12 a.m. on August 4. Security footage shows the vehicle leaving about 40 minutes later, at 6:50 a.m., with a stolen cement mixer in tow, police said.

Around the same time, Huntersville Fire responded to a fire on the school’s property. The fire damaged a building containing sports equipment belonging to the school.

Thankfully, fire crews were able to quickly control the blaze, and no injuries were reported. The fire did, however, destroy sports gear used by students.

According to school officials, the stolen cement mixer was being used for playground construction near the building that burned.

The suspect’s vehicle was caught on camera. Authorities say traffic cameras were a critical tool in solving this crime, along with several anonymous calls identifying the suspect.

Investigators also determined there was no intent to harm or punish Lake Norman Charter School specifically.