Last Updated on July 2, 2025 1:06 pm
Jefferson, N.C. – Sheriff B. Phil Howell announces the arrest of 26-year-old Chase Newton Sumner after an investigation recovered several stolen lawn items from the Ashe/Wilkesboro area.
On May 7th, 2025, a local resident reported a Kubota zero-turn mower had been stolen from his home. Then, on June 3rd, 2025, the Sheets Grocery owner reported someone trying to steal their
lawn mower. The victim was able to provide the vehicle and subject description. Detective Scott Milam began an investigation.
On June 13th, 2025, the Ashe County 911 Dispatch was notified of a suspicious vehicle
that matched the vehicle's description, which was a suspect in several larcenies in the county. Detectives Milam, Sgt. Hicks and Sheriff Deputy Sgt. Zack Vogler responded to
the call. The vehicle was located, and due to circumstances, Sheriff Deputy K9 Rhino performed an open-air sniff of the subject's vehicle, which led to a positive alert.
Deputies found several drug paraphernalia items, marijuana, and two baggies of a white crystal substance later identified as Methamphetamine. Chase Sumner was arrested and transported to the Ashe County Detention Center.
Detectives obtained a search warrant for the truck and box trailer. Several items were seized and recovered, including the Kubota zero-turn mower and an Echo leaf blower reported stolen in West Jefferson in April. Detective Milam contacted the Wilkes County Sheriff's Office and advised that Sumner was in our custody. Wilkes County Detectives received consent to check Sumner's property, where they found a 2019 electric dump trailer that had been reported stolen in Ashe County in 2024, along with multiple stolen items from Wilkes County.
Chase Newton Sumner, age 26, of Hillsboro, FL, was arrested and placed under a $35,000 secured bond and later released. His charges include:
- Felony 2 Counts Possession of Stolen Goods
- Felony Larceny After Break/Enter
- Felony Breaking and Entering
- Felony Possession Schedule I Controlled Substance
- Felony PWIMSD (Possession of a controlled substance with
the intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver) - Possess Drug Paraphernalia
- Possess Marijuana Paraphernalia
- Simple Possession Sch VI CS
