Man Arrested On Drug And Weapon Charges Following Vehicle And Foot Chases Austin Michael Neece Man Arrested On Drug And Weapon Charges Following Vehicle And Foot Chases January 27, 2021 24-year-old Austin Michael Neece of County Home Dairy Road in Newton was arrested Tuesday (January 26) by Burke County Sheriff’s Officers. He’s charged with felony counts of possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of a stolen firearm, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of marijuana. He’s also charged with misdemeanor resisting a public officer. On Tuesday, a deputy with the Burke County Sheriff’s Office was on patrol when he attempted to stop a silver BMW on Burkemont Road in Morganton. The vehicle fled, leading the officer on a short chase. When the vehicle came to a stop, the passenger, later identified as Austin Michael Neece, exited the vehicle, and then reportedly led the responding deputies on a foot pursuit.