31-year-old Michael Edward Monn of Foresthaven Road in Morganton has been arrested by Burke County Sheriff’s Officers on one felony count of possession of a schedule II controlled substance (fentanyl) and misdemeanor counts of simple assault and trespassing on a railroad right of way. He was also served with orders for arrest on five counts of felony failure to appear. He reportedly failed to appear in court on counts of larceny (two counts), possession of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and trafficking in meth.

His arrest came about as Officers with the Sheriff’s Criminal Investigations and Narcotics divisions conducted an undercover operation in the Connelly Springs community in an attempt to apprehend Michael Edward Monn, who had multiple outstanding felony orders for arrest. At about 3:40 on the afternoon of October 25, Investigators conducting surveillance saw Monn driving a vehicle on Old N.C. Highway 10 near U.S. Highway 70.

As Monn turned into a metal recycling business, Investigators attempted to initiate a traffic stop. Monn immediately evaded the Officers’ attempts and exited the recycling center, ignoring blue lights and sirens. Monn traveled down Highway 70 and turned onto the Old 70 Loop and then immediately onto Berea Church Road. At that point, he abruptly stopped the vehicle on the railroad right-of-way. Monn exited the driver’s door and fled on foot, leaving the vehicle and a passenger parked on the railroad tracks at the crossing.

Investigators pursued Monn and, after a short foot pursuit through a nearby wooded area, the suspect was apprehended. A search of Monn’s person turned up a small, clear plastic bag containing a white powdery substance that tested positive for fentanyl.

Several Investigators involved in the pursuit sustained minor injuries. Personnel with the Lovelady Fire Department and Burke County E.M.S. responded. The Officers were evaluated on the scene and transported by E.M.S. to a local hospital as a precaution. The Officers were treated and released a short time later. Monn also suffered minor injuries. He was evaluated on the scene and cleared by first responders.

Monn was served with the outstanding warrants and orders for arrest and given a total secured bond of $125,000. The charges for fentanyl, assault, and trespassing were issued a short time later. Monn had previously failed to appear for trial in Burke County Superior Court on October 23. As a result of Monn’s failure to appear, new bonds were set. His current total bond is $156,000, secured. An appearance in District Court was scheduled yesterday (October 30) with a Superior Court date coming up on November 13 in Morganton.