Suspect at large in Morganton following escape on foot

Michael Wayne Gilley, 46, eluded Morganton Public Safety Officers on foot on June 18, following a vehicle pursuit that ended in a crash on Williams Farm Road, south of I-40.

As of June 19, Gilley has not been caught.

Officers attempted to stop a 1998 white Toyota Avalon around 9:45 a.m. in the 100 block of Old NC 18 when Gilley, driving the vehicle, took off, eventually crashing a gate and the treeline at the end of the road before fleeing on foot into the wooded area.

Burke County Communications issued a Reverse 911 notification to local residents while officers conducted search efforts.

Law enforcement officers said they were compiling arrest warrants for felony flee to elude arrest, felony possession of methamphetamine, and several driving-related offenses. It is unclear where the felony charge for possession originated.

MDPS requested that anyone who sees Gilley or has information regarding his whereabouts, immediately call 911 and not approach or attempt to detain him. Gilley is a white male with hazel eyes, brown hair, “distinctive” face tattoos, and stands at about 5 feet 11 inches.

The investigation is ongoing.

—JC