Suspects charged with theft, authorities say they targeted the homes affected by Helene

45-year-old Calvin Wayne Bowen and 25-year-old Derrick Baylee Robinson were arrested on charges filed by Caldwell and Burke County sheriff's deputies.

Bowen was arrested on October 17 and Robinson was arrested on October 22 after being listed on the wanted list. Both are charged with multiple counts of burglary, theft after burglary, theft of a firearm and possession of stolen property. They are also charged with theft of a motor vehicle and possession of a stolen motor vehicle.

A joint investigation by the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office and the Burke County Sheriff's Office led to the arrest of the two suspects. Authorities say they are responsible for at least four burglaries involving larceny that occurred between Oct. 1 and Oct. 22 in Caldwell and Burke counties. The incidents occurred at homes in both counties following damage caused by Hurricane Helene.

Investigators assume that the perpetrators targeted apartments that were empty due to power outages. During the joint investigation, the authorities recovered a total of 80 stolen items. Items recovered include two side-by-side ATVs, a Honda four-wheeler, numerous firearms and several household items. The total value of the seized items is estimated at $50,000

Both Bowen and Robinson were lodged in the Caldwell County Detention Center under secured bonds from Caldwell and Burke counties. Investigators are still seeking help in recovering additional items stolen in these cases.

If you have any information about the cases, contact Detective Hamby of the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office at 828-759-1554 or Detective Brock of the Burke County Sheriff's Office at 828-438-5500.