Man Leads Police on Vehicle Chase near Lake James
On February 23, 2023 at approximately 9:05pm, Officers with the Morganton Department of Public Safety attempted to conduct a vehicle stop on a 1998 Subaru Legacy on North Green Street. The reason for the traffic stop was numerous NCGS Chapter 20 violations, to include failure to display a registration plate. During the attempt to stop the vehicle, the driver fled from officers which resulted in a vehicle pursuit. The vehicle pursuit traveled north of Morganton, around Lake James, and into the town limits of Glen Alpine. A Morganton Public Safety officer was able to successfully deploy stopsticks in the roadway which are a tire deflating device. The result of the deployment resulted in the vehicle becoming inoperable and coming to a stop on Lytle Drive, just outside of Glen Alpine. The driver was taken into custody by officers on scene and the vehicle seized according to the “Run and You’re Done” law. The driver was transported to a local hospital for evaluation where he remains in custody of law enforcement.
Officers with the Morganton Department of Public Safety have charged Craig Herman Lytle, 48, of Morganton with the following charges:
- Felony Flee to Elude Arrest in Motor Vehicle
- Resist, Delay, Obstruct a Public Officer
- Speeding more than 15MPH over the posted speed limit
- Driving during Revocation
- Stop Sign Violation
- Left of Center Violation
- Failure to Maintain Lane Control
Agencies involved: Morganton Department of Public Safety, Glen Alpine Police Department, Burke County Sheriffs Office, North Carolina State Highway Patrol
