Canton Man Charged With Burglary

A Canton man has been arrested for allegedly burglarizing a thrift store hours after severe storms swept through Cherokee County. 

Canton resident Eddie Lee Payne, 55, has been charged with burglary, possession of tools to commit a crime and criminal trespassing after a sheriff's deputy discovered him inside a thrift store just outside of Canton, according to a press release from the Cherokee Sheriff's Office.

Payne was spotted by Deputy Mark Patterson inside Second Chance Thrift & More along Reinhardt College Parkway/Highway 140 near Lucky Street. 

Patterson was patrolling the area following the severe storms that left the area without power when he noted a vehicle parked next to the building. The window of the vehicle was rolled down, and the deputy suspected someone was inside the business. 

Patterson discovered the door to the business was open and saw Payne, who tried to flee on foot. However, Payne was apprehended by other deputies as he ran out the back of the building. 

Payne did admit to authorities he was there to commit theft from the business, the press release states. 

Payne remains at the Cherokee County Adult Detention Center with $23,000 bond. 

Don’t miss any of the local news you care about. Subscribe to Canton-Sixes Patch’s free newsletter, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.