Felony Assault leads to vehicle chase
On June 4, 2022, Morganton Department of Public Safety officers responded to a domestic disturbance/assault on VFW Rd. While en route to the call officers learned that the suspect had fled in a silver-colored BMW, after attempting to assault the victim with a pipe. Officers observed the vehicle on VFW Road and attempted to stop it, at which point the vehicle fled and a vehicle pursuit began. Officers pursued the vehicle into the area of VFW, Shuffler, and Bost Roads before losing sight of it and discontinuing the pursuit.
A short time later, officers observed the vehicle and attempted to initiate a traffic stop, again the BMW fled with Officers in pursuit. The chase continued down W. Fleming Drive to Burkemont Ave and out of the city on US-64. As the pursuit left the city limits, the suspect struck a vehicle and continued, leaving the scene of the accident. This collision resulted in property damage only with no injuries. At the intersection of Melvin Propst Road and US-64, the pursuit was terminated upon the identification of the driver.
The suspect vehicle was observed in the Conley Road area by an off-duty Burke County Sheriff’s deputy a short time later. As MDPS units and BCSO units were preparing to converge on the area, the suspect, Matthew Thomas Lincoln, left headed down Conley Road towards Jamestown Road. Glen Alpine Police officers were able to get behind the vehicle as it traveled down Conley Road. MDPS Units were able to assist with the takedown of the suspect with the use of tire deflation devices near Jamestown and I-40. Lincoln then attempted to enter I-40 headed the wrong way, GAPD units used a forced vehicle stop maneuver to end the pursuit. This resulted in Lincoln's vehicle being pushed off the roadway where he was taken into custody.
Matthew Thomas Lincoln, age 30 of Morganton was charged with:
Felony flee to elude (2 counts)
Felony assault by strangulation
Misdemeanor hit and run
Misdemeanor failing to heed lights and siren
Misdemeanor resist, delay, and obstruct
Misdemeanor careless and reckless driving (2 counts)
Misdemeanor damage to property (2 counts)
Misdemeanor unauthorized use of a motor vehicle
8 motor vehicle infractions.
Lincoln was transported to the Burke County Jail where he was presented to a magistrate. Lincoln’s bond was set at $51,000.00 secure, as well as being given a domestic violence hold.
Lincoln has a first court appearance on 06-06-22. Lincoln may be facing additional charges stemming from this incident.
Assisting agencies, in this case, included the Burke County Sheriff's Office, Glen Alpine Police Department, Burke County EMS, West End Fire, and Rescue, and North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
