An Alexander County man is facing multiple felony charges following a series of reported thefts and an armed robbery in Taylorsville. The Alexander County Sheriff’s Office says deputies responded late Sunday night (September 13) to a reported larceny at a home off Millersville Road, where a firearm was stolen. Deputies searched for the suspect, including using drones, but were unable to locate him.

Early Monday morning (September 14), deputies returned to the area for a reported vehicle theft. Investigators determined the incident was actually an armed robbery. The suspect allegedly threatened the victim with a firearm and demanded the vehicle keys before fleeing.

Investigators say the suspect had also attempted to steal vehicles from other nearby homes, and another firearm was reported stolen from a vehicle. The stolen vehicle was later stopped by the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office following a pursuit.

43-year-old Jose Angel Rios, Jr. of Taylorsville was arrested. He’s charged with robbery with a dangerous weapon, larceny of a motor vehicle, breaking and entering a motor vehicle, two counts of larceny of a firearm, and two counts of assault by pointing a gun.

Rios is being held without bond. His first court appearance is scheduled next Monday (September 21). The investigation remains ongoing.