In the early hours of Thursday, April 17, 2025, at around 12:48 A.M., the Newton Police Department received a report of suspicious individuals in the vicinity of 7 South Ervin Avenue. The anonymous caller mentioned that three to four individuals had exited a silver Nissan Altima, donned in black clothing and wearing face masks while carrying backpacks.
Shortly after the call, a Deputy from the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office discovered a vehicle matching this description on East “P” Street in Newton. When multiple officers arrived to investigate the situation, they initiated a stop at the intersection of East “P” Street and St. James Church Road. During the investigation, one of the occupants, later identified as 18-year-old Xavier Jahree Wyatt from Catawba, fled from the vehicle into a nearby wooded area and discharged a firearm at pursuing officers.
A thorough search ensued for Wyatt, during which authorities discovered a weapon in the woods, believed to have been used in the incident. However, Wyatt initially evaded capture. Pending further investigation, law enforcement issued warrants for Wyatt, charging him with five counts of Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Kill and five counts of Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer with a Firearm.
The vehicle’s driver, 26-year-old Tevyn Nathaniel Hamlin of Hickory, faced charges for Driving While License Revoked and was later released on a $500 secured bond. Additional passengers, 26-year-old Robert Djan Nelson Jr. of Hickory and 22-year-old Kenyan Malik Jackson of Newton, were found to be in possession of handguns. Nelson Jr. was charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, while Jackson was charged with Carrying a Concealed Weapon. Nelson remains in custody under a $100,000 secured bond, while Jackson was released on a $1,000 secured bond.
At around 3:00 P.M., Wyatt was apprehended by U.S. Marshals at Sandalwood Court Apartments in Newton and is currently held at the Catawba County Detention Center without bond. His first appearance in court is scheduled for April 21, 2025.
This ongoing investigation underscores the teamwork and swift action among various local and state agencies, including the Newton Police Department, Catawba County Sheriff’s Office, NC State Highway Patrol, and U.S. Marshals Service. Authorities are actively seeking any witnesses or individuals with additional information related to the incident. If anyone has information, they are encouraged to contact Investigator Brown at the Newton Police Department at (828) 465-7430
