COVID-19 UPDATES

19 new positive cases of COVID-19 Thursday as reported by Burke County raising the county’s total of positive cases to 2-thousand-332. McDowell had 7 new cases for a total of 882. Catawba saw an increase of 30 cases for a total of 3-thousand-82, and Caldwell reported 12 new cases, for a total of 1-thousand-660.

In their news release Thursday afternoon, the Burke County Health Department is strongly encouraging residents to get a flu shot this year to reduce the number of flu cases, in light of the already widespread coronavirus.

Residents can get a flu shot at the health department, their health care provider or local pharmacy.

Officials say it takes about two weeks for the flu vaccine to work well, so they recommend getting it early.

Drive thru flu shot clinics will be held at the health department 700 East Parker Road in Morganton October 6^th through the 8^th.

Appointments are preferred by drive ins are welcome.

For more information, call the Burke Health Department at 764-9150.

Car Markings

Hickory Police are investigating occurrences of markings on car windows.

A news release issued today says the department has received several reports of the markings that have not resulted in harm to citizens.

The release goes on to say that the department has not been alerted by state or federal authorities of information that indicates criminals are marking vehicles for any known purpose.

According to the release, the department states the reports received do not match the normal criteria for human trafficking.

An organization that tracks human trafficking and promotes awareness says most traffickers use psychological means such as tricking, defrauding or threatening victims.

Hickory Police report they are taking all reports seriously and will fully investigate.

Guns and Ammo Stolen

Authorities in McDowell County are looking for a suspect who stole guns and ammunition from a Nebo home last month.

A Biggerstaff Loop resident reported someone entered his residence and removed a Glock-20 10 mm pistol, a Glock-19 9 mm pistol, a Savage Axis 6-point-5 Creedmore rifle and ammunition.

The theft happened sometime between August 16^th and August 21^st.

Anyone having information about the crime should call Detective Watson at 652-2237 or Crimestoppers at 65-CRIME.

Meth and Pills

A traffic stop by a McDowell County deputy leads to the arrest of a Nebo woman on drug possession charges.

32-year-old Misty Dawn Tipton of Calico Drive was pulled by the officer on August 21^st for having a fictitious tag.

A search of her belongings turned up a gram of meth and two hydrocodone pills.

The officer also discovered Tipton was wanted for failure to appear.

Teen Killed

A teenage boy was reportedly shot and killed Wednesday afternoon in Lincoln County.

The shooting occurred around 3:40 pm on Highland Drive in Lincolnton.

Police reports identify the boy as 13-year-old Gabriel Teems who died at the scene.

Reports say 18-year-old Matthew Eric Combs was arrested and charged with second-degree murder and jailed without bond 

Details that led to the shooting have not been released.