Police chase ends in larceny and drug trafficking charges

When Burke County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) deputies attempted to initiate a traffic stop Feb. 16 on a stolen 2009 Chevrolet Silverado on Malcolm Boulevard, the driver fled, speeding into Caldwell County and swerving around cars as he drove.

Deputies pursued the vehicle until the suspect eventually wrecked on Connelly Springs Road. Officers identified the driver as Bradley Gene Mellon, 36, of Lawndale.

Mellon had several outstanding warrants from other counties, including two felony charges for larceny involving a 2009 Chevrolet 2500 Duramax and other items in Lincoln County and another felony larceny of a different motor vehicle in Catawba County.

The BCSO charged Mellon with an additional four felonies — fleeing to elude arrest, possession of methamphetamine, trafficking methamphetamine, and possession of a stolen motor vehicle — and two misdemeanor charges — an expired registration and possession of drug paraphernalia.

According to court documents, Mellon had 57 grams of methamphetamine with him.

The NC State Highway Patrol (HP) cited Mellon for speeding, failure to wear a seatbelt, reckless driving, and unsafe passing. Mellon also received two misdemeanor charges from the Highway Patrol — hit and run and driving while license revoked.

In total, Mellon is facing seven felony charges and two misdemeanor charges across three counties.

Following his arrest, the Burke County Magistrate’s Office gave Mellon a $200,000 secured bond for the Burke County charges only. According to court documents, Burke County issued bonds on behalf of Catawba and Lincoln Counties at $30,000 each.

His first appearance was Feb. 19.

— JC