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. 

Discover how federal marshals brought a nationwide manhunt to an end, capturing a convicted sex offender in Burke County's Pisgah National Forest. Explore the details of the apprehension and learn about the offender's history of non-compliance with registration requirements, highlighting the importance of law enforcement vigilance in ensuring public safety.

Convicted felon duo arrested with hidden firearms and drugs in Morganton A convicted felon couple was arrested Thursday night for possessing concealed firearms,   Around 10 p.m. on …

Celebrating Burke County law enforcement, the second-annual Burke Law Enforcement Banquet welcomes supporters and officers for a night of recognition and appreciation for the people who protect our …

A Morganton woman fled from Burke County Sheriff’s Office deputies which resulted in multiple charges, including drug offenses.  On Jan. 4, Chasity Dawn Ross, 34, of 4150 Snowhill Church Road …

A Morganton man was killed in a head-on collision on Monday evening on U.S. 70, in Hildebran.  On Monday, Feb. 12, N.C. State Highway Patrol responded to a fatal car crash around 5:30 p.m., near …

Rutherfordton woman killed in car crash on U.S. 64, south of Morganton  A Rutherfordton woman was killed in a car crash Friday night on U.S. Highway 64, south of Morganton.  N.C. State …

Morganton man arrested for federal felony probation violation A Morganton man was arrested in a joint operation after violating his federal probation last Wednesday.  On Wednesday, Jan. 31, the …

FBI and Burke County Sheriff's Office arrest Valdese man for multiple child exploitation felonies As a result of a joint investigation with Burke County Sheriff's Office and the FBI, a Valdese man …

Reported missing Morganton man found dead in creek by Second Street in Morganton Morganton Public Safety is investigating the death of a Morganton man who was found in the creek by Second Street on …

A fire destroyed a local Morganton business on West Union Street early Wednesday morning. Around midnight on Wednesday, Jan. 31, …

Facebook Marketplace scammer arrested for robbery  The Burke County Sheriff’s Office has arrested an alleged Facebook Marketplace scammer following a robbery incident that took place at the …

Camper fire in Morganton under investigation by Morganton Public Safety Morganton Public Safety is investigating a camper fire that happened on Sunday.  On Sunday, Jan. 21, officers responded to …

The show must go on. Dancing with the Burke Stars director and producer Travis Stancil and dance partner Danielle Perez were injured in a rollover accident allegedly caused by a drunk driver. Despite …

Escaped logs from an overturned logging truck landed on three vehicles on Thursday afternoon after the truck's driver failed to keep the truck in its travel lane. Around 12:50 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. …

Man killed in fatal two-vehicle accident, shuts down U.S. 64 A man was killed in a two-vehicle accident in Burke County on Monday morning which caused U.S. 64 to be shut down.  On Monday, Jan. …