MORGANTON, N.C. — A 62-year-old Hickory man faces felony charges after allegedly stealing a first responder’s vehicle during a crash response near Hidden Hill Wedding Venue on Burkemont Road, authorities reported Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025.
Burke County EMS and Salem Fire & Rescue arrived at approximately 10:49 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, to a blue Toyota Camry that had veered off the roadway and down an embankment at 6572 Burkemont Road. While crews worked the scene, Arthur Andres Hoyle II, a white male, was spotted taking a first responder’s vehicle and fleeing. Law enforcement pursued, but Hoyle soon lost control, crashing down another embankment.
Officers searched the area and found Hoyle at the base of the mountain, taking him into custody without further incident. He was treated at a local hospital for minor injuries before being charged with felony larceny of a motor vehicle at the Burke County Magistrate’s Office. Hoyle, of 1710 29th Street NE, Hickory, is held on a $40,000 secured bond with a court date of Oct. 13, 2025.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol investigated the original crashes, closing Burkemont Road for several hours. Involved agencies include Burke County Sheriff’s Office, Morganton Department of Public Safety, Burke County EMS and Rescue, and Salem Fire and Rescue.
