38-year-old Thomas Wayne Mathis of Withers Road in Maiden was arrested Thursday (January 26) by Lincoln County Sheriff’s Officers. He’s charged with felony counts of first-degree burglary, larceny after breaking & entering, and possession of stolen goods. Mathis is also charged with misdemeanor counts of assault on a female and communicating threats.

On Wednesday (January 25), a Tallpine Lane, Lincolnton, woman was preparing a meal when she heard a noise at the front door. She went to the door and there was a man standing there dressed in a black hoodie, black pants and a black ski mask. He asked if she had any gasoline and for a drink of water. When she said no the man yanked open the storm door and threatened her saying if she called the cops he would come back and kill her.

He chased the woman into the bathroom, punching her in the mouth and knocking her into the bathtub. The suspect then ran out of the house and fled the scene. The woman identified the man by the sound of his voice as Thomas Wayne Mathis. He is accused of taking the victim’s keys and a gold ring when he fled the residence. The ring was later found on the front porch of the home.

Deputies searched the area around Tallpine Lane and eventually found the suspect off Davis Road where he was taken into custody. Mathis was interviewed at the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and released pending further investigation. As the investigation continued, detectives went before a Lincoln County magistrate and secured warrants against the suspect.

Mathis was taken into custody shortly after 8 p.m. Thursday and placed in the Harven A. Crouse Detention Center under $50,000 secured bond. A District Court date was scheduled today (January 27) in Lincolnton.