COVID-19 Update 

Burke County Public Health reported 252 active cases of COVID-19 on

Wednesday for a total of 10-thousand-86 positives, with 6 people in the

Hospital. In McDowell County, 13 new cases of coronavirus were added

bringing the county’s total to 5-thousand-89, with 76 residents in quarantine.

Caldwell County saw an increase of 8 cases of the virus yesterday for a total

of 9-thousand-324, with 5 people hospitalized.

And in Catawba County, 34 new cases of COVID-19 reported for a total of

18-thousand-816, with 18 people in the hospital.

Suspect Arrested in Emotional Support Dog Shooting  

A suspect has been arrested in the Sunday shooting of an emotional

support dog. Numerous tips to Morganton Public Safety, helped

investigators receive a warrant for arrest on Markus Levar Connelly of

Morganton. He turned himself into the Burke County Sheriff’s Office

Tuesday afternoon, and received a $10,000 secured bond. Public Safety

thanks the public for sharing this sad story.

Felony Drug Arrest  

A Morganton man has been charged with Felony Trafficking in Fentanyl.

The Burke County Sheriff’s Office, in addition, charged 40-year-old Erik

Bradley Brittain with Felony Flee/Elude Arrest with Motor Vehicle as well

as three Misdemeanor offenses. Bond was set at $126,000 secured.

Brittain was also arrested twice in April by Morganton Department of

Public Safety on various charges.

Correctional Officers & Employees Week  

Governor Cooper has declared this week as Correctional Officers and

Correctional Employees Week in North Carolina.

More than 13,500 correctional officers and employees in the state prison

system supervise about 28,000 offenders in more than 50 facilities.