Multi-Agency Effort Leads to Capture of Murder Suspect in Davidson County
Photo from Davidson County Sheriff’s Office Facebook
March 28, 2026
A multi-agency manhunt that stretched nearly 30 hours ended with the capture of a murder suspect in Davidson County, following a dramatic chase and extensive search involving more than 100 law enforcement officers.
Officials with the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office, alongside local, state and federal partners, detailed the operation during a press conference, describing both the urgency and coordination behind the effort.
Photo by Vance Bailey/Davidson Local
“This was a bad situation,” one official said, thanking the long list of agencies involved. “We have a lot of friends that come in with us… to make a bad situation good.”
Chase and Manhunt Across Multiple States
The incident began around 6:20 p.m. on March 26, 2026, when deputies attempted to stop a vehicle in the area of Highway 150. The suspect fled, initiating a chase that turned dangerous quickly.
“A chase ensued… where a car was sideswiped,” officials said. “He stole it and he drove like he stole it.”
Authorities described the suspect driving recklessly through ditches and streams before abandoning the vehicle and fleeing on foot. At the time, deputies already knew they were dealing with a suspect connected to serious crimes out of state.
“We knew that this subject had been involved in a murder… assault with a deadly weapon… and also kidnapping,” officials said.
The suspect was wanted in connection with a homicide in Dawson County, Georgia. Authorities said a woman believed to be his girlfriend had been shot, kidnapped, and later rescued in South Carolina. She is expected to survive.
Protecting the Community
Law enforcement emphasized that the extended search was driven by concern for public safety.
“The biggest fear I had was… that he had gone in maybe taken somebody else hostage or harmed someone here,” one official said. “It’s something I couldn’t live with.”
Officers worked overnight and into the following day, using K9 units, coordinated perimeter searches, and aerial support from helicopters.
Officials noted that helicopter assistance came from multiple agencies.
“Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department… gave us aerial views last night by sending us a helicopter,” officials said, adding that the North Carolina Highway Patrol “did it all day today.”
In total, officials estimated about 70 specialized team members and roughly 120 officers at peak deployment were involved in the operation.
Arrest in a Neighborhood
The suspect was ultimately captured after emerging from a wooded area into a neighborhood where officers had established a perimeter.
Deputy McKenny, who made the arrest, described the moment:
“He came out of nowhere just through the woods,” the deputy said. “Gave him orders to get on the ground… he eventually went down to the ground, placed him under arrest. Standard arrest.”
Authorities confirmed the suspect was not armed at the time of arrest, though they are still investigating whether he may have discarded a weapon.
Residents in the area reportedly watched from their yards as the search unfolded.
“All the neighbors… were coming out in yard chairs because they felt safe with us, but they wanted to see it,” officials said.
Relief and Gratitude
Officials expressed relief following the arrest and praised the collaboration between agencies.
“This teamwork… we’re proud to have this guy in jail,” a representative from the North Carolina Highway Patrol said.
Law enforcement also took steps to protect families during the search, including ensuring schoolchildren were safely escorted home.
“Every school bus was followed home today… no kid went to any house [alone],” officials said.
Message from the Victim’s Family
During the press conference, officials shared a message from the victim’s family, who had been watching coverage of the search.
“They really do appreciate you guys… for catching him and putting resolution to this,” officials said.
Updates
The suspect is now being held in the Davidson County Detention Center. Officials acknowledged the emotional toll of such cases, even as they celebrated the outcome.
“I will sleep very well… until the next thing happens,” one official said. “It’s not if… it will.”
The case remains under investigation.
