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 Davis, whose license was revoked, was also found in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

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.
——
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
