A suspect being sought in Burke County has been taken into custody.
Friday (June 19) at approximately 7:30 p.m., Burke County Communications received a report from a citizen who observed a wanted suspect, Michael Wayne Gilley walking on East Fleming Drive near East Union Street in Morganton.
Officers responded to the area and located Gilley in a grassy area adjacent to the roadway. After confirming his identity, officers attempted to take him into custody. During the arrest, Gilley actively resisted and attempted to assault officers with what was later determined to be a BB pistol.
Officers were able to safely take Gilley into custody without injury to law enforcement personnel or members of the public. Following his arrest, Gilley was transported to a local healthcare facility for evaluation and treatment.
The suspect was on the run after leading Morganton Public Safety officers on a vehicle pursuit that ended in a crash Thursday morning, June 18.
According to Morganton Public Safety, officers attempted to stop a vehicle at approximately 9:45 a.m. Thursday in the 100 block of Old N.C. 18. The driver failed to stop, triggering a pursuit that continued to the end of Williams Farm Road.
Authorities say the vehicle, a 1998 white Toyota Avalon, crashed into trees after running through a gate. The driver then fled on foot into a wooded area and has not been apprehended. Investigators identified the suspect as 46-year-old Michael Wayne Gilley.
The Morganton Department of Public Safety thanked the citizens of Morganton and surrounding communities for their assistance during this investigation. The numerous tips and reports received over the past two days were instrumental in helping officers locate and apprehend Gilley.