‘Armed and dangerous’ suspect found hiding in the Catawba River, NC police say

The search for an “armed and dangerous” felony suspect led police to an unusual hiding place — the Catawba River west of Charlotte, investigators say.

Belmont police say the 47-year-old man fled to the river after being confronted at a Belmont home around 12:30 p.m. Sunday, July 28.

“(He) had outstanding felony drug warrants, multiple domestic violence protection order violations, and was known to be armed and dangerous,” Belmont police said in a news release.

“As officers approached, (he) fled from officers on foot. A Belmont K9 was utilized to track (the man), who was found attempting to conceal himself in the Catawba River.”

Marine units were called and they were able to catch the suspect in the river, officials said. Investigators did not reveal how long it took to convince him to exit the muddy river.

The suspect, who lives in the Pitt County town of Farmville, is being held for extradition to another state, jail records show. Bond was set at $35,000.

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