Area COVID and NC Increases

As the NC Department of Health and Human Services reported the state’s highest one-day number of COVID-19 cases Friday, at 8-thousand-444, Burke County continues its’ upward trend as well.

Public Health reported 44 new positives yesterday in Burke County, with a new total at 5-thousand-386

1-thousand-159 cases are reported to be active, and 23 Burke County residents remain hospitalized.

In McDowell County, health officials Friday reported 46 new cases, with a total now of 2-thousand-503.

381 people in McDowell County remain in quarantine.

Caldwell County saw an of increase of 96 positive virus cases Friday for a current total of 4-thousand-904, with 48 Caldwell residents hospitalized.

In Catawba County, 240 additional COVID-19 cases were reported Friday for a new total of 9-thousand-910 with 94 patients hospitalized.

NC’s single-day increase Friday doubled a record-day reported a month ago on November 19^th when the state reported 4-thousand-296 new cases.

Gunman Search

The search continues for a Connelly Springs man wanted in connection with a shooting that occurred Thursday afternoon in eastern Burke County.

A news release from the Burke County Sheriff’s Office says shortly before 1 Thursday afternoon, officers arrived at 4520 Fox Drive to discover the victim lying in the yard at the residence.

Reports say 34-year-old Abel Lee Petty Junior suffered a small-caliber gunshot wound to the abdomen.

 

Burke deputies secured the scene and were told the suspect 33-year-old Kenneth Lee Morgan had fled the scene on foot prior to officers arriving.

Burke County EMS and Icard first responders  treated Petty, who was then airlifted to an area hospital for further treatment. 

The news release indicates Petty and Morgan were acquainted.

Authorities equipped with K-9 assistance searched the surrounding area, but did not locate Morgan.

Following discussion with the DA’s office, detectives obtained a felony warrant for Morgan’s arrest for assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury with intent to kill.

Anyone having information about Morgan’s whereabouts should call the Burke County Sheriff’s Office at 438-5500.

Lincoln County Rescue

A lost person call in Lincoln County Thursday turned into a swift water rescue of three boys.

The three had become lost in a wooded area in the eastern part of the county as reported to Lincoln deputies just before 5 Thursday afternoon.

Authorities were able to make contact with the boys near a creek; but determined the creek bank was too steep and the brush was too heavy to walk the trio out.

Swift water team members were called in to relocate the boys to the other side of the creek.

The two 12-year-olds and a 13-year-old were then rescued without incident.

There was no report of injuries.

Missing Lincoln Teen Found

A teenager reported missing from her foster home in Lincoln County has been located.

13-year-old Ambreal Renay Watson was discovered at a relative’s home in Gaston County and is reportedly safe.

Watson went missing Wednesday after her foster family noticed she was not in her room.