Hickory Man Given Prison Sentence For Seven To Ten Years

39-year-old Antonio Carlos Harris of Hickory was sentenced to serve seven-to-10 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to felony counts of fleeing to elude arrest with a motor vehicle, possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm by a felon (two counts). The Honorable Matthew Osman, Superior Court Judge from Mecklenburg County, handed down the sentence Monday, October 28th in Catawba County Superior Court. Harris will serve his period of incarceration in the custody of the North Carolina Division of Adult Corrections.

His sentence length was enhanced by his status as an habitual felon. Harris has prior felony convictions for first-degree burglary in Catawba County (August 2008), assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury in Catawba County (June 2004) and attempted common law robbery in Lincoln County (May 2002).

In October of 2022, a Catawba County Deputy saw a vehicle at a gas station and determined that the driver had a suspended license. The vehicle left the station, but was pulled over a short time later. A K-9 search led to recovery of a handgun found in the vehicle, which was driven by Harris. Harris had previously had been convicted of robbery with a dangerous weapon in Catawba County in August of 2008.

On December 22, Brookford Officers attempted to stop a vehicle for an expired registration. Harris, the driver, stopped the vehicle and opened the door as the Officer approached, but quickly shut it and sped away at a high rate of speed. He led Officers on a chase, passing vehicles illegally, running a stop sign, and reaching speeds of 100 m.p.h. The chase eventually came to an end in Vale. Harris exited the vehicle with a gun in his hand, but dropped it before he was apprehended after a short foot chase. He also was found to be in possession of methamphetamine, marijuana, and digital scales.

Story: Ralph Mangum-WHKY