Granite Falls man charged with possession of stolen goods

A four-wheeler chase and a poor hiding spot put Wendell Sherwood Osborne, 43, of Granite Falls, behind bars on Jan. 15.

When a Burke County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) deputy tried to stop a four-wheeler on Mount Gilead Church Road in Connelly Springs, the ATV (all-terrain vehicle) operator rushed down a gravel road, past a locked gate.

When deputies later noticed a four-wheeler in the front yard of a home on the street, they also spotted a white Kia Sportage abruptly stopping in the driveway. The SUV slowly backed behind a shed on the property, officials say.

After checking the vehicle, deputies found fentanyl and discovered the vehicle was stolen.

Following his arrest, the Burke County Magistrate charged Osborne with possession of a stolen motor vehicle. Additional narcotics charges were pending, according to the BCSO.

The court appointed John Alexander to defend Osborne. His bond was set at $100,000, following a review of his criminal history that includes 24 misdemeanor convictions and five felony convictions, according to court documents.

His next appearance is Feb. 5.

—JC