39-year-old Tom Xayavong of Settlemyre Road in Morganton was arrested Wednesday (October 4) by Morganton Public Safety Officers. He’s charged with felony counts of common law robbery and larceny.

Wednesday, at approximately 2:50 p.m., Morganton Public Safety Officers were dispatched to the Dollar General Store at 545 East Fleming Drive in reference to a disturbance. During the investigation it was determined that the suspect, Tom Xayavong, had allegedly caused a disturbance inside the store.

During the disturbance Xayavong allegedly stole a cash register that contained an undisclosed amount of money and exited the store. Officers made contact with Xayavong as he was attempting to leave the property in a vehicle. The suspect was arrested at the scene and Morganton Public Safety’s Criminal Investigation Division was contacted for further investigation.

It was determined by investigators that Xayavong caused approximately $3000 in damage to the store during the robbery. He also allegedly assaulted a store clerk in his attempt to leave the scene. Xayavong was initially placed in the Burke County Jail under no bond until his first court appearance Thursday (October 5). His bond has since been set at $7,500 secured, a District Court date is scheduled for October 26. More charges are expected as the investigation continues.