Vehicle pursuit leads to felony charges

On June 26 2023 at 12:04 a.m., Morganton Department of Public Safety Officers were conducting a chapter 20 checking station at the intersection of Kirksey Drive and Amherst Road. A black 2004 Jeep Liberty was traveling on Kirksey Drive and was slowing down for the checking station. When the vehicle approached officers the driver increased his speed and turned left onto Amherst Rd.

Officers pursed the vehicle and it failed to pull over. A vehicle pursuit was initiated on Amherst Rd after it was clear the vehicle was failing to heed for lights and sirens. During the pursuit the vehicle crossed into the wrong lane of travel multiple times and reached excessive speeds. The chase was terminated due to losing sight of the vehicle.

Officers located the vehicle at 1744 Old Amherst Rd unoccupied after the pursuit was terminated. The car was left in the middle of the road and was blocking the entire roadway.

The Burke County Sheriff’s Office located a male subject laying in the woods near the unoccupied vehicle. The male subject was identified as Terry Allan Griffin age 49 of Valdese. MDPS Officers were able to confirm Griffin was the driver of the vehicle.

Griffin was placed under arrest and had two outstanding warrants. Griffin was served on his outstanding warrants and charged with:

  • N.C.G.S. 90-108(A)(7), MAINTAINING A DWELLING VEHICLE -PLACE FOR DRUGS/CONTROL SUBSTANCE
  • N.C.G.S. 90-95(H)(3B), TRAFFICKING METHAMPHETAMINE
  • N.C.G.S. 90-113.22, POSS DRUG PARAPHERNALIA
  • N.C.G.S. 14-269(A), CARRYING CONCEALED WEAPON
  • N.C.G.S. 15A-305(B)(4), FELONY PROBATION VIOLATION
  • N.C.G.S. 15A-305(B)(2), FAIL TO APPEAR/ FAILURE TO COMPLY
  • N.C.G.S. 20-141.5(B), FELONY SPEEDING TO ELUDE ARREST
  • N.C.G.S. 20-157(A), FAIL TO HEED LIGHT OR SIREN
  • N.C.G.S. 20-111, FICTITIOUS TAG
  • N.C.G.S. 20-313(A), OPERATE VEHICLE WITHOUT INSURANCE

 Griffin received a $165,500 secured bond and was left in custody of the Burke County Jail staff.

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