RCSO: Man breaking into building caught, detained by homeowner

HAMLET — Fishing poles have been returned to their owner after the alleged thief was caught trying to break in again.

According to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded Wednesday to a home on Gibbons Street, north of Hamlet, after the homeowner caught someone breaking into a building and had the suspect, 41-year-old Ronald Hill of Hamlet, detained on the ground.

The homeowner reportedly told deputies he had several items previously stolen and Hill allegedly admitted to taking a few fishing poles.

The poles were recovered from Hill’s home and returned to the owner, according to the sheriff’s office.

Hill was arrested and charged with breaking and entering, and attempted larceny. He was booked into the Richmond County Jail on a $10,000 secured bond and is scheduled to appear in court July 10.

Records with the N.C. Department of Adult Correction show Hill was first convicted in 1998 of misdemeanor breaking and entering, then of felony B&E the following year. His probation on both convictions was revoked in 2000, landing him behind bars for nearly six months.

In 2002, Hill was convicted of possession with intent to sell a Schedule VI controlled substance.

Records show Hill also has the following prior convictions:

2004 – violation of a protective order

2005 – misdemeanor larceny (two counts); possession of drug paraphernalia (two counts)

2008 – misdemeanor larceny (Moore County); possession of drug paraphernalia; driving while license revoked

2011 – attempted breaking and entering (felony)

All defendants facing criminal charges are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.