COVID-19 UPDATE

Burke County health officials Thursday afternoon reported the 27^th and 28^th deaths associated with the COVID-19 virus.

A news release from public health states the notifications came in late Wednesday – both individuals reported to be in their 80’s, and both were hospitalized.

The release states one died from underlying medical conditions, while the other died from COVID-19 related complications.

In addition, Burke County reported 30 new positive cases since yesterday with a current total of 1-thousand-587 individuals who’ve tested positive.

Officials in McDowell County reported 21 new positive cases of the virus, amounting to a current total of 484 positive cases.

McDowell County also reported an additional virus-related death on Thursday, bringing their total of those who have died to 11.

In Catawba County, officials report 38 additional positive cases, with a new total of 1-thousand-863 cases since the pandemic began in March

Caldwell County reported 23 new cases for a total, of 1-thousand-71 COVID-19 cases.

477 people have recovered and 19 patients are hospitalized with 12 deaths.

Burke Shooting Update

The Burke County Sheriff’s Office Thursday afternoon released the names of the victims involved in Wednesday’s fatal shooting in Connelly Springs.

45-year-old Robert Winston Perkins Junior of 6937 Knob Avenue was discovered deceased at his residence; while his brother 43-year-old Christopher Ronald Perkins of the same address was found suffering from a gunshot.

Christopher Perkins was transported to an area trauma center where he is reported to be in stable condition according to a news release from the Sheriff’s Office.

Officers had responded early Wednesday morning to the Knob Avenue residence after receiving reports of yelling, screaming, and gunshots.

Another man and woman reportedly left the initial scene; however, officers have since made contact with both and have conducted interviews with them.

The release states the Sheriff’s Office CID investigators are wrapping up the investigation and will submit their findings to the DA’s office to determine if charges will be issued.

2^nd Hickory Shooting

Meanwhile, a second shooting Thursday morning in Hickory has prompted the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office to believe the two incidents are connected.

Reports say officers were called to the report of a gunshot wound at a residence on 28^th Avenue Northeast.

According to a news release, deputies located a man suffering a gunshot to the knee.

He was transported to Baptist Hospital in Winston Salem for treatment.

Officers stated multiple shots had been fired into the home where the injured man was located.

An older model SUV, possibly a dark GMC Envoy was seen in the area just prior to the incident.

Hickory Police are also investigating another reported shooting into an occupied dwelling that occurred in the 700 block of 7^th Avenue Place Southwest.

Anyone with information about either of the incidents should call Hickory Police at 328-5551 or the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office at 464-5241.

McDowell Scam

McDowell County authorities are warning residents about yet another phone scam.

The caller advises he is with the US Postal Service and has a check for the person he is calling.

The caller goes on to instruct his victim that taxes on the winnings have to be paid before receiving the check.

The Sheriff’s Office urges residents to not give money or personal information to someone you don’t know.

Obtain a name and number of the caller in order to verify the caller works where he claims.

Anyone with questions or concerns can call the McDowell Sheriff’s Office at 652-2235.

Break-In

A Marion man breaks into an acquaintance’s home stealing property, according to reports with the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office.

The victim told officers 25-year-old Justin Ray Messer of Lakeview Drive North broke into his home on Padgett Road taking video game controllers and games, a cell phone, two motorcycle helmets, an airbrush and paint set and a handgun case with magazine.

The homeowner reported he was acquainted with Messer.

Messer was charged with breaking and entering, and larceny after breaking and entering. Some of the property was recovered.

Stolen Truck

Investigators in McDowell County need the public’s help in locating a truck reported stolen Thursday morning, along with the suspect who took it.

An Old Fort man stated someone removed his white 2003 Ford F-250 pickup truck from Parker Padgett Road between 10 last night and 8:30 Thursday morning.

The truck has NC tag DL-4665, has a black flat bet and ‘Get it Done’ stickers on the side doors.

The suspect also took various tools, a pressure washer, a leaf blower, and a knife.

Anyone having information should call McDowell Captain Smith at 652-2237 or McDowell Crimestoppers at 65-CRIME.