Shoplifting arrest reveals woman tied up in back of suspect’s car, NC police say

A shoplifting investigation took an unexpected turn when officers found a woman bound at the wrist in the suspect’s vehicle, according to police.

The incident happened Thursday, Dec. 11, outside a Best Buy in Aberdeen, and a suspect is in custody, the Aberdeen Police Department said in a news release.

“Officers responded to Best Buy for a report of a larceny that occurred two hours earlier ... and located the vehicle still parked in the parking lot,” police said.

“Officers located a non-verbal, disabled adult in the back seat and observed that she was locked inside the vehicle with the seatbelt tied around her wrists. The vehicle was not running, and the adult occupant was cold and sitting on trash bags.”

The woman was taken to Moore Regional Hospital for treatment, police said. Details of why she needed medical care were not released.

Police were still at the scene when the suspect exited a different store in the shopping center and was arrested, officials say.

“While she was detained, stolen property from Best Buy fell off her person, and additional stolen property was observed inside the vehicle,” police said.

The 54-year-old suspect, who lives in Lumberton, is charged with felony neglect of a disabled adult with intent to injure, misdemeanor larceny and possession of stolen property, police said. Bond was set at $7,500.

Investigators did not reveal the relationship of the victim and suspect.

Aberdeen is about a 70-mile drive southwest from downtown Raleigh.

This story was originally published December 14, 2025 at 7:30 AM.