Arrest made in

Boone Drug break-ins
By Melanie Davis

The investigation has ended in the Dec. 3 Boone Drug break-ins.

Chance R. Hampton, 29, of Deep Gap, has been charged with one count of breaking and entering, two counts of felony larceny and two counts of misdemeanor injury to real property.

Hampton was arrested Wednesday by the Watauga County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) on charges of possession of burglary tools, two counts of possession of a schedule IV controlled substance and injury to real property, following a 911 call reporting a breaking and entering in progress.

During the stop of Hampton’s vehicle, unlabeled prescription medication was thrown from the vehicle window and a bag containing a pry bar, rubber gloves and a flashlight was found in the car.

Boone detectives were alerted by the WCSO to Hampton’s suspected involvement in the Boone Drug break-ins following that arrest.

Boone Police detectives followed up on that call, and warrants were subsequently issued on charges related to the pharmacy break-ins.

The New Market Centre Boone Drug location was entered at 4 a.m. on Dec. 3. Access was gained by breaking the glass out of the front door. An estimated 25 minutes later, the Deerfield Road location was entered.

Filled prescriptions awaiting pick up were stolen from both locations.

Hampton is being held at the Watauga County Detention Center on the break-in charges and is scheduled to appear in district court on Jan. 30 in lieu of a $15,000 bond.