Richard Shane Walser, 42, of Laurel Springs in Alleghany County, has been charged with 9 felonies and 6 misdemeanors in Alleghany and Forsyth counties in connection with a breaking and entering, vehicle theft, and indoor marijuana growing operation. On Wednesday evening, Walser was in custody at Forsyth County Detention Center with secured bonds totaling $180,000.

According to the records department at Forsyth County Detention Center, charges against Walser include manufacturing and trafficking marijuana, maintaining a dwelling and vehicle for controlled substances, possessing drug paraphernalia, possessing a stolen vehicle, driving while impaired, driving while license revoked, driving left of center, exceeding safe speed, breaking and entering and felony larceny.

The theft and wreck of a Laurel Springs Fire & Rescue Department vehicle led Alleghany County authorities last week to an indoor marijuana manufacturing operation allegedly maintained by Walser and his girlfriend, Elizabeth Surles King, 42, also of Laurel Springs, who has also been charged in this incident. She was arrested in Forsyth County by the Winston-Salem Police Department and charged with trafficking and manufacturing marijuana and maintaining a dwelling to keep controlled substances. She was released on bond and is awaiting court dates in both counties.

According to Alleghany County law enforcement officials, Walser was injured in a Feb. 1 accident on Jane Taylor Mountain involving the stolen fire unit and was taken first to Ashe Memorial Hospital and then to North Carolina Baptist Hospital. After he was identified, authorities allegedly went to his home to inform a girlfriend of the accident, discovered the indoor marijuana growing operation, and seized 127 plants.

Investigating officers in the incident are Alleghany County Deputies Steve Carrier and Zack Mooneyhan. NC Highway Patrol also responded to the Feb.1 wreck and filed charges, and officers with the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Department and Winston-Salem Police Department are also involved in the investigation and filing of charges. Deputy Carrier said charges against Walser in Forsyth County involve a smaller marijuana growing operation and failure to appear in court.

According to Lt. Jim Church with the Laurel Springs Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department, the vehicle stolen was a Ford Excursion fitted as a medical truck for the department. Other items were stolen from the fire house and a door was damaged.