Three suspects in a stolen car lead Burke deputies on a chase Monday morning. Officers attempted to stop a suspicious vehicle leaving a vacant Connelly Springs house when the driver reportedly fled the scene topping speeds of 100 mph. Reports say the car crashed near Highway 70 at Berry Road. James Cody Peters, 23, and Brandy Leigh McDaniel, 20, of Morganton were passengers in the vehicle - determined to be stolen from McDowell County. Both Peters and McDaniel were charged with felonious possession of a stolen motor vehicle. The driver reportedly jumped from the vehicle and ran. Deputies gave chase, but were unable to apprehend the suspect. The State Department of Public Safety's K-9's were called in to assist, while a citizen notified authorities of a man fitting the suspect's description in the area off Berry Road. Officers spotted the man and chased him to a nearby residence where he was detained. The man identified as Austin Michael Neece, 21, of Connelly Springs was charged with felonious possession of a stolen vehicle and fleeing and eluding arrest with a motor vehicle. The Highway Patrol additionally charged Neece with hit and run and leaving the scene with property damage, reckless driving, and driving while license revoked. Neece's secured bond was set at $13,500.

The U.S.Forest Service plans to conduct a 197-acre prescribed burn this morning at Boyd Gap off Globe Road, 5 miles south of Blowing Rock in northern Caldwell County. Thunderhole Road(FSRD 4071) will be temporarily closed during fire operations. The public is asked to heed signs posted at gates and to stay away from burn areas and closed roads. Some smoke may be visible around Blowing Rock. The Blowing Rock Fire Department, North Carolina Forest Service, and The Nature Conservancy will be assisting with burn operations.