Morganton Public Safety

06/23/2026

You truly never know what the day will bring in this biz!

This morning, PSOs Holder, Vonbargen and Morris assisted an unexpected customer, who made its way into a local eatery by crashing through the front glass door. After a little wrestling match and plenty of teamwork, officers safely guided the deer out the back door without injury.

One thing is for sure, this young lady doesn’t skip cardio day😄

Just another reminder that in this job, every day is different, and sometimes protecting and serving includes our four-legged friends too.

P.S. Before anyone asks, yes… the deer was released and is doing just fine.

06/20/2026

UPDATE: CAPTURED

On June 19, 2026, at approximately 7:30 p.m., Burke County Communications received a report from a citizen who observed Michael Wayne Gilley walking on East Fleming Drive near East Union Street in Morganton.

Officers responded to the area and located Gilley in a grassy area adjacent to the roadway. After confirming his identity, officers attempted to take him into custody. During the arrest, Gilley actively resisted and attempted to assault officers with what was later determined to be a BB pistol.

Officers were able to safely take Gilley into custody without injury to law enforcement personnel or members of the public. Following his arrest, Gilley was transported to a local healthcare facility for evaluation and treatment.

The Morganton Department of Public Safety would like to thank the citizens of Morganton and surrounding communities for their assistance during this investigation. The numerous tips and reports received over the past two days were instrumental in helping officers locate and apprehend Gilley.

We appreciate the continued support, vigilance, and cooperation of our community in helping keep Morganton safe.

06/18/2026

https://www.morgantonnc.gov/publicsafety/page/vehicle-pursuit-ends-crash-suspect-remains-large

UPDATE: CAPTURED 06/19/2026 8:35PM

On June 19, 2026, at approximately 7:30 p.m., Burke County Communications received a report from a citizen who observed Michael Wayne Gilley walking on East Fleming Drive near East Union Street in Morganton.

Officers responded to the area and located Gilley in a grassy area adjacent to the roadway. After confirming his identity, officers attempted to take him into custody. During the arrest, Gilley actively resisted and attempted to assault officers with what was later determined to be a BB pistol.

Officers were able to safely take Gilley into custody without injury to law enforcement personnel or members of the public. Following his arrest, Gilley was transported to a local healthcare facility for evaluation and treatment.

The Morganton Department of Public Safety would like to thank the citizens of Morganton and surrounding communities for their assistance during this investigation. The numerous tips and reports received over the past two days were instrumental in helping officers locate and apprehend Gilley.

We appreciate the continued support, vigilance, and cooperation of our community in helping keep Morganton safe.

06/17/2026

This event has been postponed and will be rescheduled for a later date.

Safe Kids Burke County Bike Rodeo on June 20, 2026

Bring your bike, come and learn bike safety, your hand signals, and learn some rules. Then practice what you learned while riding the course we set up for you to practice riding your bike on. We will have some bike helmets to give away while supplies last. The Bike Rodeo will be in the parking lot of Foothills Higher Education Center, 2128 S Sterling St, Morganton, beside Zaxby's. The event will be from 10 am to 12.

Presented by:
Safe Kids Burke County
Morganton Public Safety

06/17/2026

**UPDATE: The person has been identified **

We're asking for the community's assistance in identifying the man pictured below. Officers are looking to speak with him regarding a theft that occurred at the Morganton Rural King.
If you recognize this person or have any information that could assist our investigators, please call or text Inv. Gabryszewski at 828-509-3685.

06/17/2026

We are so proud of PSO Walker!

Life Saving Award / Recognition

On May 6, 2026, during Standardized Field Sobriety Testing training at WPCC, Recruit Deputy Austin Robinson collapsed and showed signs of a seizure after falling beside a water fountain. Director Bryan Christy, Deputy John McKinney, and PSO Justin Walker immediately responded, controlling bleeding and assessing Robinson’s condition. Robinson became unresponsive and stopped breathing normally, prompting CPR and AED use. The AED advised one shock, and care continued until EMS arrived. Throughout the incident, Director Christy, Deputy McKinney, NC Highway Patrol Trooper Phillips and PSO Walker acted quickly, professionally, and without hesitation to provide lifesaving medical care to Deputy Robinson.

The prompt, coordinated efforts of Director Christy, Deputy McKinney, NCSHP Trooper Ben Phillips, and PSO Walker were vital in sustaining Deputy Robinson’s life. On June 15, 2026, Sheriff Banks Hinceman awarded them the Lifesaving Award for their extraordinary actions and dedication.

06/16/2026

UPDATE: Food Lion is now back open and emergency services have cleared. Thank you for your understanding.

The Food Lion located at 1230 Burkemont Avenue is currently closed until further notice. We ask that the public avoid the area and seek alternate shopping locations at this time.

Additional information will be released as it becomes available. Thank you for your patience and cooperation.

06/16/2026

We appreciate our police officers and firefighters. One of our officers snagged this picture of another officer assisting a stranded motorist with a tire change today. Not only that, the officer was actually off the clock when he stopped to help. Many thanks to the other agencies who also assisted (Burke County Sheriff’s Office and the NC State Highway Patrol).

06/16/2026

Check out our Community Newsletter for May!

06/09/2026

Got a question, some feedback, or just want to say hello? Grab a great cup of coffee and chat with your local officers tomorrow morning beginning at 8:30am at Coffee with a Cop!