COVID-19 Update

Two more deaths from COVID-19 reported in Burke County Wednesday; while public health reported only 8 additional positive cases.

The individuals, one in their 80’s and one in their 70’s were both hospitalized but later died from virus related complications.

142 Burke County residents have now died from COVID-19, as Burke’s total of positives now stands at 9-thousand-468.

387 cases remain active, and 7 individuals are hospitalized.

In McDowell County, health officials reported yesterday 10 new positives with a total now at 4-thousand-731.

122 McDowell residents are quarantined.

NC began vaccinating priority group 3 frontline essential workers on Wednesday and beginning March 24^th those with high-risk medical conditions as part of Group 4 will have the opportunity to get the vaccine.

Those 65 and older interested in scheduling an appointment in Burke, can call the Community Call Center at 358-4454.

Caldwell Shooting

A man pulls a gun on Lenoir deputies following an early morning chase.

Reports with the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office say deputies stopped a truck just before 2 am Wednesday at the intersection of Deerbrook Road and Rocky Road.

During the stop an occupant of the vehicle identified as 27-year-old Jordon Tomas Cornell fled the scene in the truck.

Deputies reportedly pursued the vehicle until it made a second stop on Husband’s Creek Road.

As officers approached the truck, reports say Cornell produced a handgun leading deputies to fire their weapons.

Cornell sustained two gunshot wounds according to a news release, was treated at Caldwell Memorial, and later released.

He has been charged with assault with a deadly weapon on a government official.

Cornell also faces two counts of probation violation and one count of interfering with an electronic monitoring device.

He wass jailed under a 50-thousand-dollar bond.

Vandal with Meth 

An Old Fort man arrested for vandalism is found by authorities to also possess meth.

McDowell deputies responded on February 6^th to a reported domestic dispute on Vernon Bradley Road.

Once there, they discovered 34-year-old Daniel Ted Stewart had broken a window at his relatives’ home.

The drugs were found on Stewart as he was being processed into the jail.

He was charged with injury to real property, possession of meth, and possession of a controlled substance in jail.

Lincoln Shots Fired

Two people are facing charges following an altercation in Lincoln County where a gunshot was fired.

Lincoln officers were called to Cross Center Drive where reports say multiple people were involved in the argument and a shot was fired.

The group had dispersed once deputies arrived; however an investigation of witnesses resulted in 20-year-old Austin Roseberry of Iron Station being issued a citation for damage to property.

Roseberry admitted to kicking a vehicle that belonged to an acquaintance.

Detectives identified the person who discharged the firearm as 21-year-old Jessie Docouto of Iron Station.

He was located at his residence by officers, and willingly turned over his firearm.

Docouto was charged with assault by pointing a firearm, going armed to the terror of the public, and assault with a deadly weapon.

He was jailed under a 6-thousand dollar secured bond.

No one was reported injured in the incident.

Hickory Traffic

The Hickory Police Department’s March traffic enforcement ‘PACT’ or pay attention in city traffic will be located on 2^nd and 3^rd Avenue Northwest from North Center Street to 9^th Street Northwest.

Motorists are encouraged to observe all traffic laws and maintain driving awareness while operating a motor vehicle.