Bible Found In Car After Reported Break-In

PRINCETON — A Princeton man was arrested early Dec. 20 after deputies said he broke into a vehicle and left a Bible behind at the scene.

According to the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office, the break-in was reported at about 3:14 a.m. on U.S. 70 just outside the Princeton city limits. The victim, a 28-year-old man, told deputies they saw someone inside their vehicle through a security camera and called authorities.

By the time deputies arrived, the suspect had left the scene. However, deputies located Joshua Charles Cowdrey, 42, of Princeton, nearby and took him into custody a short time later.

Investigators said security video reportedly captured Cowdrey sitting inside the victim’s vehicle. While no items were reported stolen, the vehicle’s owner told deputies a Bible was found inside the car that had not previously been there.

Cowdrey was charged with felony breaking and entering a motor vehicle. The Bible was recovered and is being held as evidence.