Man caught in icy waters after fleeing deputies on stolen motorcycle

Man caught in creek after fleeing deputies during stolen motorcycle bust

BURNSVILLE, NC – A midnight traffic stop spiraled into a cold-water foot chase through Yancey County early Monday, ending with a suspect captured in a creek and charged with multiple felonies, including possession of a stolen motorcycle and methamphetamine.

Around 2 a.m., Deputy Grayson Penland attempted to pull over a Harley-Davidson motorcycle displaying a fake tag near the intersection of U.S. Highway 80 South and Micaville Loop. The rider, later identified as Christopher Davis, initially provided a false name before taking off on foot.

Deputies Penland and Isaac Ray chased Davis into Crabtree Creek, where a brief altercation occurred in freezing water and slick terrain. Despite the hazardous conditions, both deputies subdued and arrested Davis at the scene.

A subsequent check confirmed the motorcycle had been reported stolen. Davis, whose license was revoked, was also found in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Man caught in icy waters after fleeing deputies on stolen motorcycle
Photo: man caught in icy waters after fleeing deputies on stolen motorcycle

He now faces a slate of charges, including felony possession of stolen goods, felony meth possession, providing false information to law enforcement, driving with a revoked license, multiple counts of resisting arrest, and failure to appear on prior misdemeanors. He remains at the Yancey County Detention Center under a no-bond order.

The sheriff’s office noted that additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues.

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Key Points

  • Suspect fled deputies during a traffic stop and was arrested after foot chase into a creek
  • Stolen Harley-Davidson motorcycle and methamphetamine were recovered
  • Christopher Davis faces multiple felony and misdemeanor charges, held without bond