Lenoir County deputies arrest suspect after vehicle theft, armed standoff
Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office Arrests Suspect Following Vehicle Theft, Child Recovery, and Armed Standoff
On September 11, 2026, the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office was notified by the Jones County Sheriff’s Office regarding a suspect who had stolen a vehicle and fled the scene with a small child. Deputies immediately responded to an address in La Grange, where the suspect, Austin Riggs, a resident of Lenoir County, had barricaded himself inside a residence.
During the course of the investigation, deputies determined that Riggs had unlawfully entered a neighboring home and stolen a shotgun. At one point, Riggs stepped onto the porch and brandished the firearm in hand before retreating back inside, prompting law enforcement to issue repeated commands for him to exit the residence.
After a brief standoff, Riggs surrendered and was taken into custody without incident.
The Jones County Sheriff’s Office arrived on scene shortly thereafter to retrieve the stolen vehicle and coordinate its return to the rightful owner. The child involved in the incident was safely recovered and reunited with their grandmother. No injuries were reported.
Charges Filed:
• Breaking and Entering
• Larceny of a Firearm
• Second-Degree Arson
The Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office commends the coordinated efforts of both counties in ensuring the safe recovery of the child and the successful apprehension of the suspect.
