Burke County Deputies Capture Suspect After Pair Of Searches

On Thursday, March 23, a Burke County Sheriff’s Office Deputy responded to a location on NC 18 South in Connelly Springs. Upon arrival, the deputy observed a white male drop a chainsaw and run toward a wooded area. The fleeing subject was identified as 26-year old Austin Michael Neece. The vehicle, from which Neece fled, was searched and approximately 10.5 grams of methamphetamine, a white powder substance, and drug paraphernalia were seized. A further search resulted in recovering property that has been reported stolen earlier that day. A short time after clearing the scene, the Burke County Emergency Communications Center received a call that Neece was back on the property.

Multiple deputies and detectives along with NC Highway Patrol responded and Neece was spotted and again fled on foot. A subject on scene stated that Neece had a handgun. Deputies tracked Neece to the area of 7360 Della Drive where he was spotted by several anonymous callers. With information provided that Neece was carrying a firearm, the Burke County Swat Team was called. BCSO also requested assistance from the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office Drone Operation Team.

SWAT and CCSO drones conducted a search of the residence and property and ultimately located Neece hiding in a hand dug hole behind the residence on Della Drive. Neece was taken into custody without further incident and transported to the Magistrate’s Office where he was served with his outstanding charges. Neece is currently being held without bond.

The pending charges include felony identity theft, parole violation and resisting arrest.

Photo: Burke County Sheriff’s Office