Law Enforcement Roundup for June 24

Late-night crash leads to DWI and reckless driving charges for Morganton man

A Morganton man faces DWI and reckless driving charges after colliding with a brick wall of a Morganton resident’s driveway. 

Around 10 p.m. on Sunday, June 23, Morganton Public Safety responded to a vehicle crash on the 100 block of Kimberly Drive. 

A gray 2019 Toyota had crashed into a column and brick wall along the residence's driveway. 

Responding officers found driver Bobby Eugene Smith Jr., 60, of 106 Kimberly Drive in Morganton. 

After further investigation, Smith was charged with a DWI and careless and reckless driving by the Burke County Magistrate’s Office. He received a custody release. 

Smith will make his first appearance in Burke County District Court on July 15. 

DWI and drug charges filed against Morganton woman following vehicle collision

After an early morning Sunday vehicle crash, a Morganton woman was taken to a local hospital but now faces various charges. 

Around 12:15 a.m. on Sunday, June 23, Morganton Public Safety responded to a vehicle crash with an injured person at 1301 E. Union St. in Morganton. 

Responding officers found the heavily damaged green 2006 Honda Pilot that collided with the building. 

Burke County EMS and Rescue Squad responded to extract the driver Morgan Tiara Smith, 25, of 117 Jim Grady Road in Morganton, and transported her to UNC Health Blue Ridge.

After further investigation, Smith was charged with the following:

• DWI

• Felony possession of a schedule II controlled substance

• Possession of a schedule VI controlled substance

• Possession of drug paraphernalia

• Careless and reckless driving

• Failure to maintain lane control

The City of Morganton’s building inspector arrived and declared the building unsafe. Impairment and speeding were suspected to be contributing factors in the crash. 

Smith will appear in the Burke County District Court on Sept. 20.