A 911 hang-up call led Iredell County deputies to an unexpected discovery last month: a man hiding behind the stairs of an abandoned house on Brawley School Road.
Deputies responded around 7:10 p.m. on June 13 after dispatchers received the brief call, which disconnected before details could be shared. When officers arrived at the property, they found a side door that had been pried open. Concerned about what—or who—might be inside, a second deputy was called for backup.
While sweeping the basement, officers found 42-year-old Ian Kelley Shuemaker, listed as homeless but with ties to Charlotte, crouched behind the stairs. Shuemaker was arrested without incident.
Investigators later determined that Shuemaker himself had accidentally dialed 911. A background check revealed that he is currently on federal probation related to narcotics distribution.
Shuemaker was transported to the Iredell County Detention Center. While in custody, deputies say a small plastic bag containing about 1.45 grams of methamphetamine fell out of his clothing. As a result, he now faces felony charges of breaking and entering, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of a controlled substance on penal institution property.
He was placed under a $25,000 secured bond. His only scheduled court appearance in Iredell County as of now is set for July 25 on a separate charge of possessing drug paraphernalia.
Shuemaker has a lengthy criminal record, including prior offenses involving firearms, indecent liberties, drug-related crimes, and a habitual felon designation.
