39-year-old Christopher Dean Lunsford of Bryant Road and 29-year-old Autumn Marie Burhans of Jacobs Lane, both from Morganton, were arrested by Burke County Sheriff’s Officers. Lunsford is charged with felony counts of flee to elude arrest and possession of a firearm by a felon along with a misdemeanor count of resisting a public officer. Burhans is charged with felony counts of trafficking opium or heroin and possession of a firearm by a felon.

On August 11, 2023, Burke County Sheriff’s Office deputies attempted to execute a traffic stop on a motorcycle with two occupants at the intersection of Antioch Road and NC 18-US 64. The motorcycle attempted to flee the scene at high speeds to elude the deputy. After a short chase the operator lost control of the motorcycle and crashed.

The operator again attempted to flee the scene and was apprehended after a brief foot chase. Upon arrest, the person driving the motorcycle was identified as Christopher Dean Lunsford and was found to be in possession of a firearm. The passenger of the motorcycle was identified as Autumn Marie Burhans and was also reportedly in possession of a firearm and approximately seven grams of fentanyl.

Lunsford remained in the Burke County Jail as of earlier today (August 17) under $75,000 secured, Burhans was being held under $166,250 secured bond. They’re both scheduled to appear in District Court September 1.