SPD Arrests Two Suspects in Armed Robbery on Newton Drive

April 1, 2025

On Sunday, March 30, 2025, at approximately 6:01 a.m., the Statesville Police Department responded to an armed robbery at 1924 Newton Drive. Two masked suspects entered the store, with one suspect displaying a handgun. The suspects demanded money and instructed the employee to open the register. Once opened, the armed suspect took the cash, and both suspects fled the scene on foot heading west, eventually entering a black sedan.

The Criminal Investigations Division responded to the scene to process evidence and begin the investigation. Through the use of the department’s Verkada camera system, investigators were able to identify the suspect vehicle as a black 2001 Honda Accord. Further investigation led to the identification of one of the suspects as Joseph Nicholas Sherrill, 34, of Statesville, N.C.

Joseph Nicholas Sherrill

Investigators learned the suspect vehicle had been seen in Wilkesboro, N.C., and promptly notified the Wilkesboro Police Department. On March 31, 2025, Wilkesboro officers located the vehicle parked at an apartment complex. Officers maintained surveillance and observed the suspect leaving the complex. A traffic stop was conducted at a nearby convenience store.

During the stop, the driver was identified as Joseph Nicholas Sherrill and the passenger as Thomas Joshua Byers, 34, also of Statesville, N.C. A handgun believed to have been used in the robbery was recovered from inside the vehicle.

Thomas Joshua Byers

Statesville Police Department investigators responded to Wilkesboro to assist, gather additional evidence, and interview the suspects. Both Sherrill and Byers were subsequently transported to the Iredell County Detention Center and charged with Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon and Felony Conspiracy. They are currently being held without bond pending their first court appearance.

The Statesville Police Department is thankful for the swift response and collaborative efforts of the Wilkesboro Police Department, which were instrumental in the outcome of this case.