Neighbors charged with stealing air unit

Authorities said three men charged with stealing an air conditioning unit from a Lincolnton home barely made it out of the neighborhood before deputies stopped them.

Just before 10 a.m. Thursday, a neighbor called 911 and said a theft was occurring at a vacant rental home on Drew Drive in Lincolnton, according to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office. Officers who responded to the report said they saw an older model Chevrolet Camaro driving out of the neighborhood, located just off Shuford Road.

When they stopped the car, authorities discovered an air conditioning unit in the back of the car. The car's hatchback was still open, according to the Sheriff's Office.

The stolen unit, which authorities said is worth $2,100, was returned to its owner.

Authorities charged David Michael Henry, 30, of Maiden, Glenn Wilson Smith Jr., 46, and Christopher Scott Withers, 28, with felony larceny and misdemeanor injury to property.

Smith and Withers both live on Drew Drive, where the alleged theft happened.

Henry and Withers were released from Lincoln County jail after posting a $5,000 bond. Smith was also served with an outstanding warrant for failing to comply with a court order and remained in custody under a $5,795 bond.