Drone and K-9 Unit Help Capture Two Domestic Violence Suspects in Iredell County

IREDELL COUNTY, N.C. — Two separate domestic violence investigations in Iredell County on the same day ended with suspects being tracked down and arrested after attempting to flee from deputies.

According to the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office, deputies, the Sheriff’s Office Drone Unit, and K-9 teams worked together in both incidents to locate the suspects after they ran from law enforcement.

The first incident occurred during the early morning hours when deputies responded to a reported domestic disturbance involving 34-year-old Terrance Devaughn Morgan of Statesville. Investigators say the victim woke up to find Morgan inside her home after he allegedly entered through a window. The victim reported being assaulted before escaping to a nearby residence and calling 911.

Deputies quickly established a perimeter while Deputy R. Ball deployed a drone and Deputy J. Berrier deployed his K-9 partner, Enyo. Authorities say Morgan fled the area, but Enyo tracked him for nearly a mile while the drone assisted deputies from the air. Morgan was eventually found behind a residence on Muddy Lane and taken into custody around 3 a.m.

Following the investigation, Sergeant D. Frye charged Morgan with:

• Felony First Degree Burglary

• Misdemeanor Assault on a Female

• Misdemeanor Crime of Domestic Violence

• Misdemeanor Simple Possession of Marijuana

• Misdemeanor Possession of Marijuana Paraphernalia

  
  

Morgan was transported to the Iredell County Detention Center where Magistrate M. Russell issued him a no-bond.

Later that same evening, deputies responded to another domestic violence incident involving 34-year-old Ryan Daniel Underwood of Harmony. Investigators say the victim reported Underwood, who was already the subject of an active Domestic Violence Protection Order, arrived at the residence, assaulted her, and fled in her vehicle.

Lieutenant C. Little confirmed the protective order was active and also discovered Underwood had outstanding warrants connected to previous violations. Deputies obtained additional warrants charging Underwood with domestic violence protective order violations, stalking, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, assault on a female, and crime of domestic violence.

Authorities say deputies responded again around 11:45 p.m. after Underwood reportedly returned to the residence before fleeing on foot. Deputies once again established a perimeter while Deputy Ball deployed the drone and Deputy Berrier deployed K-9 Enyo.

Officials say Underwood ignored commands to stop and continued running before deputies located him using the drone. Enyo then tracked Underwood to McCarran Trail, where he was taken into custody.

Deputy S. Paul arrested Underwood and transported him to the Iredell County Detention Center. He was additionally charged with domestic violence protective order violation, stalking, and resisting, obstructing, or delaying an officer. Magistrate M. Russell also issued Underwood a no-bond.