Authorities were taken on a short foot chase Wednesday morning near a local convenience store to find a Granite Quarry man after officers tried to serve arrest warrants. A dog was also called to track the man, who took off into a wooded area.
The Rowan County Sheriff’s Office charged Matthew Grey Morris, 22, of the 1200 block of Birch Street, Granite Quarry, with driving while license revoked and misdemeanor resist, obstruct, delay an officer. He was also taken into custody on six outstanding warrants. The incident occurred at 12:15 a.m.
A sheriff’s deputy spotted Morris while watching the entrance of Laurel Pointe Circle since officials were told Morris might be located there. Another deputy was farther in the apartment complex. The officer at the entrance spotted Morris driving a dark blue Honda. The officer followed the vehicle, which belonged to Morris’ girlfriend, Shonita Denise Carter, 31, of the 700 block of Laurel Pointe Circle. She was later charged with allowing an unlicensed driver to operate her vehicle. She was a passenger in the vehicle.
The deputy put on his blue lights and Morris appeared to be slowing down as he pulled into the Kangaroo convenience store parking lot. Morris jumped out of the vehicle and ran from the store. He jumped a fence, landing on his back, a report said.
The officer called a dog in to track Morris, who was found a short time later in a wooded area off Holly Drive. The police dog found a piece of clothing Morris had dropped in the woods. A report said Morris was combative and tried to resist being handcuffed. He was issued a $2,500 secured bond for the recent charges, bringing his total bond to $36,000, and he remains in the Rowan County Detention Center.
Carter told deputies Morris called her and asked her to pick him up. Carter, who is expected in court in June, was given a written promise to appear in court.
Morris is expected in court later this month regarding misdemeanor larceny charges stemming from an incident earlier this year. Morris is also scheduled to be in court later this year regarding 2011 felony probation violation and possession of a firearm by a felon charges. He is slated to appear in Cabarrus County court on traffic infractions, including driving while impaired and reckless driving. Morris has a number of convictions dating to 2007 that include misdemeanor larceny, drug possession, reckless driving, speeding to elude arrest and possession of firearm by a felon.
Contact reporter Shavonne Potts at 704-797-4253. Twitter: www.twitter.com/salpostpotts Facebook: www.facebook.com/Shavonne.SalisburyPost.