IREDELL COUNTY, N.C. – Deputies with the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office responded to Amity Hill Road on the evening of Saturday, January 18, 2025, following reports of a man cutting down trees and obstructing the roadway. Upon arrival, deputies found that the fallen trees had damaged power lines and a parked vehicle. As a result, North Carolina State Highway Patrol and Duke Power responded, closing the road for several hours to conduct repairs.
Authorities identified the individual as Jonathan Ray Lowman, 36, who stated he had received permission from a property owner to cut down the trees. However, the investigation revealed that Lowman had crossed onto another property without consent and cut additional trees without the owner’s knowledge.
Detective C. Davidson was assigned to the case and conducted interviews with witnesses and property owners. The investigation determined that Lowman had unlawfully cut down multiple trees, resulting in thousands of dollars in damages. Additionally, authorities reported that Lowman had sold the trees to a local business for profit.
Following these findings, Detective Davidson obtained warrants for Lowman’s arrest. On Thursday, January 30, deputies took Lowman into custody and transported him to the Iredell County Detention Center, where he appeared before Magistrate Johnson. Lowman was issued a $10,000 secured bond.
The case remains under investigation.
