On Saturday, July 19, 2025 at 1:53am, a Morganton Public Safety Officer observed a grey Ford F-150 operating with no headlights on N Sterling St near Avery Ave. The officer caught up to the vehicle on W Union St and initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle for failure to burn headlights. The driver of the vehicle ran the red light on W Union St at N College St and sped off at a high rate of speed down W Union St reaching speeds in excess of 70 mph. The vehicle chase lasted for .08 miles and ended when the driver lost control of the vehicle near 701 W Union St and had a minor collision with shrubbery and came to rest against a rock wall. The driver and two passengers were detained and all identified as being 14 years of age. The driver was released to the custody of his guardian and the two passengers were provided with transportation to their residences. The driver and passengers names are being withheld due to their age. The driver will be charged with the following:
- Felony Flee Elude Arrest
- Felony Larceny of a Motor Vehicle
- Reckless Driving to Endanger
- Failure to Heed Lights and Siren
- Fail to Stop at a Steady Stop Light
- Speeding 70mph in a 35mph Zone
- No Operators License
- Failure to Maintain Lane Control
- Failure to Burn Headlights
- Left of Center
- Damage to Property
The vehicle being driven was not seized due to it being stolen from the registered owner and was subsequently returned to the registered owner. The Department of Juvenile Justice was contacted and the above charges are forthcoming. The Burke County Sheriff’s Office, Avery County Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Juvenile Justice were assisting agencies.