On February 16, 2026, deputies with the Burke County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a possible stolen vehicle in the area of Malcolm Boulevard. Deputies located the stolen 2009 Chevrolet Silverado traveling on Malcolm Boulevard near the intersection of Campus Street, heading toward Caldwell County.
When deputies attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver accelerated and fled. A pursuit ensued into Caldwell County. While traveling on Connelly Springs Road, the suspect vehicle was involved in a motor vehicle collision.
Deputies identified the driver as 36 year old Bradley Gene Mellon of Lawndale,NC. Mellon, who had multiple outstanding warrants from Catawba and Lincoln Counties was additionally charged by the Burke County Sheriff’s Office with (F) Flee to Elude, (F) Possession of Methamphetamine, (F) Trafficking Methamphetamine, (F) Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle, (M) Expired Registration, (M) Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and (I) Failure to Wear Seatbelt. NC State Highway Patrol charged Mellon with (I) Speeding, (I) Failure to Wear Seatbelt, (M) Hit and Run, (M) Driving While License Revoked, (I) Reckless Driving and (I) Unsafe Passing.
Mellon was transported to the Burke County Magistrate’s Office, where he received a $200,000 secured bond for the Burke County charges. His first court appearance was scheduled for February 17, 2026. He was cited by the NC State Highway Patrol for their charges. Agencies Involved: Burke County Sheriff’s Office Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office NCSHP Caldwell County EMS North Catawba Rescue.
