North Carolina Man Faces Over 50 Charges After Multi-Day Crime Spree

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A 50-year-old man from Swannanoa, North Carolina is facing over 50 criminal charges after a multi-day crime spree that spanned across several jurisdictions in Western North Carolina. The suspect, Bryan George Coleman, was arrested on February 5th after a brief chase while driving a stolen vehicle. The investigation linked Coleman to a range of offenses including burglary, financial card theft, forgery, and possession of stolen property.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in combating prolific offenders who commit a wide range of crimes across multiple jurisdictions. The lengthy list of charges against Coleman underscores the significant impact that such crime sprees can have on local communities in terms of property damage, financial losses, and public safety concerns.

The details

According to authorities, Coleman's crime spree began on the morning of February 3rd and continued through late on February 5th, when he was finally apprehended. During this period, he is accused of committing 24 counts of felony uttering a forged instrument, 9 counts of felony financial card theft, 7 counts of felony obtain property by false pretense, and various other charges related to burglary, theft of motor vehicles, and drug paraphernalia possession. The investigation spanned multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office, Black Mountain Police Department, and Montreat Police Department.

• The crime spree began on the morning of February 3, 2026.
• The spree continued through late on February 5, 2026, when Coleman was arrested.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The suspect, Bryan George Coleman, is being held in the Buncombe County Detention Center. He is scheduled to appear in court on February 20th, where a judge will determine if he will be granted bail.