Traffic Stop Leads to Stolen Vehicle Recovery, Multiple Charges in Iredell County

Iredell County, N.C. – A routine traffic stop in Iredell County led to the recovery of a stolen vehicle and the arrest of a Statesville man on multiple charges.

According to authorities, Deputy B. Lee conducted a traffic stop on Lentz Road on Sunday, March 29, 2026. Upon approaching the vehicle, the deputy made contact with the driver, identified as 40-year-old Jonathan Ray Lowman of Statesville.

During the stop, deputies discovered that both the vehicle and the trailer were displaying fictitious license plates. While attempting to verify the vehicle’s identification number, Deputy Lee noticed the VIN had been altered.

Further investigation allowed deputies to determine the correct VIN, which, when checked through a national database, confirmed the vehicle had been reported stolen in August 2025. Officials estimate the recovered property to be valued at approximately $20,000.

Lowman was taken into custody and transported to the Iredell County Detention Center. He faces the following charges:

• Felony Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle

• Felony Altering VIN Numbers

• Misdemeanor Fictitious License Plate

• Misdemeanor No Liability Insurance

• Infraction Unsafe Tires

• Infraction Rear Lamps Violation

  
  

Lowman initially received no bond from Magistrate J. Hollar. During his first court appearance, Judge E. Hendrick set a $20,000 secured bond.