Vanceboro, NC – A man wanted for murder and arson is on the run after allegedly stabbing a Craven County deputy inside a Bojangles restaurant bathroom Wednesday morning before fleeing on foot.
The suspect, identified as 24-year-old Dominic Liam Connelly, was last seen wearing dark clothing and running toward the Bailey Lane Apartments behind the restaurant.
Authorities say Connelly is considered armed and dangerous and warn the public not to approach him under any circumstances.
Key Points
- Murder suspect Dominic Connelly allegedly stabbed a Craven County deputy at a Bojangles in Vanceboro
- Connelly is wanted for the killing of his grandmother, 72-year-old Patricia Lopedote, in a house fire on October 25
- A manhunt involving multiple agencies is underway, with a reward offered for Connelly’s capture
Deputy attacked inside restaurant
The confrontation occurred around 10 a.m. Wednesday after a report of a possible sighting of Connelly at the Bojangles in Vanceboro. When deputies arrived, Connelly was found hiding in the restaurant bathroom. Authorities say he pulled a knife and attacked one of the deputies before fleeing the scene. The deputy was seriously injured but is expected to recover.
Manhunt expands through Craven County
A massive search involving multiple law enforcement agencies is now underway across Vanceboro and surrounding areas. Officers are focusing on the wooded areas and residential neighborhoods near Bailey Lane Apartments, where Connelly was last seen. Drones and K9 units have been deployed as the manhunt enters its second day.
Connection to grandmother’s murder
Connelly has been the primary suspect in the October 25 death of his grandmother, Patricia Lopedote, whose body was found inside a burned home on N.C. Highway 101 in Havelock. Investigators determined the fire was intentionally set. Lopedote’s vehicle was missing from the scene and later found abandoned near the baseball fields on Pine Tree Drive in New Bern.
Additional charges filed
In addition to the open murder warrant, Connelly faces charges of first-degree arson, larceny of a motor vehicle, attempted first-degree murder, felony assault on a law enforcement officer causing serious injury, and resisting arrest.
Public urged to report sightings
The Craven County Sheriff’s Office is warning anyone who assists Connelly that they will face criminal charges for aiding his flight. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is urged to call 911 immediately or contact the Sheriff’s Office at (252) 636-6620. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Craven County Crime Stoppers at p3tips.com/986, where a reward is being offered for information leading to Connelly’s arrest.