Suspect Arrested After Lake Norman Airport Break-In Attempt and Aircraft Damage

Authorities say a quick response by deputies helped contain a burglary attempt at Lake Norman Airport that led to an arrest spanning two states.

According to Darren Campbell, the incident began Saturday, April 25, 2026, when Deputy M. Dyson responded to a commercial burglary alarm at the airport, arriving within three minutes.

At the scene, deputies found an ATV with the driver’s door open and items scattered nearby, along with significant damage to a business — including a partially shattered front door and two broken windows. Despite the damage, investigators determined no one had successfully entered the building.

With assistance from the Mooresville Police Department, deputies quickly established a perimeter. Deputy J. Berrier and K9 Enyo tracked a path leading to a parking lot, where authorities believe the suspects fled in a vehicle. Damage to the business is estimated at around $2,500.

As the investigation continued, Detective Moore identified a suspect vehicle connected to the case. That vehicle was later found by the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office on Interstate 26 — fully engulfed in flames.

Through the investigation, the suspect was identified as 20-year-old Justice Marcell Phillips of Statesville. Phillips was arrested in South Carolina on charges including impeding the roadway, providing false information, and resisting arrest.

Iredell County deputies have since obtained warrants charging Phillips with Felony Breaking and Entering a Motor Vehicle and Felony Attempted Breaking and Entering a Building. He remains in custody in South Carolina.

On April 27, deputies were called back to the airport after additional damage was discovered — this time involving a damaged aircraft. Investigators estimate the loss at approximately $50,000. Authorities have filed an additional charge against Phillips for Felony Damage to Property.

The investigation remains ongoing.