The court-appointed attorney for a former Burke teacher accused of numerous child sex offenses said he needs help with the complicated case. Attorney Wayne Clontz told presiding Judge Daniel Kuehnert …

Morganton man arrested, banned from all city parks after attempted knife assault  After a Morganton man threatened three juveniles with a knife, his arrest and issued charges were followed by a …

A joint undercover operation between the U.S. Marshals Service and the Burke County Sheriff's Office leads to the arrest of a Valdese registered sex offender.   The coordinated effort led …

After posting to Facebook about his future time in jail, a Morganton man was arrested eight days later for four felony counts of child sex offenses.  On Monday, April 8, the Burke County …

A high-speed chase following a Walmart larceny ended with a Hickory woman crashing her vehicle and being arrested by Morganton Public Safety.  Around 10:41 a.m. on Thursday, April 18, MPS were …

You're traveling through downtown Morganton and come to West Union Street but notice that the traffic is backed up. You look around and see the Morganton Public Safety fire trucks lined on the street …

An early Thursday morning traffic stop resulted in a Morganton man facing charges for possessing 19 grams of methamphetamine and other criminal offenses.  Around 1:14 a.m. on Thursday, April 11, …

The Valdese Police Department arrested a Valdese male suspect in a drug investigation, just before Easter weekend.  Around 9:19 a.m. on Friday, March 29, Officer Smith was patrolling a problem …

With newfound law enforcement knowledge, Burke County Sheriff Robert “Banks” Hinceman is now a graduate of the N.C. Sheriffs' Leadership Institute.  In March, Hinceman attended the …

Heaven Henning has joined the Morganton Department of Public Safety as the first full-time female firefighter since 2017.  Only 19 years old, Henning has been with her new department for a month …

Morganton father arrested after car collision hospitalizes two children and pregnant passenger  A Morganton father faces numerous charges after two children and a pregnant passenger were sent to …

An intoxicated Hudson man collided with a tree on Sunday night after recklessly driving through Morganton. He now faces numerous misdemeanors.  On Sunday, March 31, Morganton Public Safety …

Multiple injured in Downtown Morganton stabbing, suspect in custody Three people were transported to a local hospital after being stabbed by a Wendell man on Saturday morning near downtown …

Morganton Public Safety is investigating a multiple-vehicle break-in incident from Thursday evening.  Around 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 28, officers responded to a break-in report involving …

A Morganton man was arrested for allegedly impersonating a firefighter while on the scene of a deadly structure fire on Wednesday morning.  Around 12:10 a.m. on Wednesday, March 27, Morganton …

An 8-year-old boy tragically lost his life in Connelly Springs after a tree collapsed on him while playing in the woods. Emergency responders rushed to the scene but were unable to save him. Authorities confirmed no foul play is suspected. In a separate incident, Morganton Public Safety swiftly extinguishes a vehicle fire, preventing further damage or injuries. 

Joint operation leads to arrest of Hickory man wanted for larceny and related charges The Burke County Sheriff’s Office and Morganton Public Safety collaborated to arrest a Hickory man who was …

A Valdese man faces numerous Class C felonies involving child sex crimes and could be looking at a life sentence, according to a Burke County District Court Judge.  Zebulon Robert Lingafelt, 27, …

Morganton man faces charges after fleeing police following red light violation After failing to stop at a red light, a Morganton man tried to elude arrest by weaving through parking lots and now …

Fatal single-vehicle accident shuts down N.C. Highway 114: Morganton woman succumbs to injuries A Morganton woman died in a single-vehicle crash in Drexel early Sunday morning.  On Sunday, March …

Valdese has hired a former SBI agent as its new chief of police who brings more than 35 years of experience from a wide line of law enforcement positions.  As a born and raised Valdese resident, …

Prescribed burn from Northern Cleveland County migrates to Burke County  A prescribed burn that started in Northern Cleveland County is making its way north to Burke County, with smoke filling …

Fatal Hildebran crash: Hickory man killed while walking on unlit road A Hickory man was killed by an SUV close to midnight on Sunday in Hildebran. N.C. State Highway Patrol said the Hildebran crash …

Two Morganton residents, Angela Powell Carpenter and Clyde Oliver Crawford, were arrested for drug-related charges following a routine traffic stop. Officers discovered crack cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and firearms in their vehicle. Read more about the arrest details and other-crime related stories. 

Morganton Public Safety is actively investigating two separate incidents: the discovery of a deceased man near railroad tracks and the pursuit of a wanted man who fled from a traffic stop. The first case involves a deceased individual found near Herron Street, with investigations ongoing to determine the cause of death. Meanwhile, a manhunt is underway for Tracy Lee Greene, who evaded police after a traffic stop, prompting a pursuit. As investigations continue, authorities urge anyone with information to come forward. Read more about these investigations and other crime-related stories.