LENOIR, NC — Deputies arrested a 50-year-old Union County man Tuesday after two schools reported him coming onto school property without justification and carrying a gun.
Around 11:26am, deputies say officials at Happy Valley School reported a man, identified as Blaine Frances Pennington III, around the lobby of the gymnasium. School officials say Pennington left without incident when asked.
About 30 minutes later, Collettsville School officials reported a man matching Pennington’s description coming onto their school grounds. Again, he left without incident, but this time officials say they noticed a holstered weapon on his side.
Officials at the school were able to provide deputies with a license plate number that came back registered to Pennington.
Deputies soon spotted Pennington’s truck on Abington Road and pulled him over. Officials say he was taken into custody and had a Taurus 380 Semi-Automatic Pistol on his side at the time of his arrest.
When asked why he was on the two school’s properties, deputies say Pennington could not provide a clear answer. Officials say they also have not been able to locate a reason for him being at either location.
Pennington is charged with two counts of Felony Possession of a Gun on Educational Property, and placed under a $25,000 bond.
