Burke County Deputy Accused Of Excessive Force Following Suspect Pursuit, Arrest

MORGANTON, NC — The Burke County Sheriff’s Office has arrested 29-year-old Homer Lee Cook, who was wanted on a felony probation violation order for arrest. The arresting deputy is now also accused of excessive use of force.

The deputy says they spotted Cook driving near the intersection on Zion and Amherst Road on August 25th and started pursuing his vehicle. Cook reportedly turned into a driveway and attempted to escape on foot.

The pursuing deputy says Cook tripped and was captured before he could get back up. The deputy says Cook suffered a minor laceration to his nose during the pursuit, but did not require nor did he request any medical treatment for the injury.

At the time of his arrest, deputies say they found two syringes and a “snort” straw in his wallet, along with a glass smoking pipe commonly used with methamphetamine in his vehicle.

The deputy who spotted Cook at the intersection on Sunday reportedly assisted Drexel Police Officers in locating Cook a day earlier, and knew he was wanted on the outstanding charge. Cook managed to escape capture however, after officials say he was located at a gas station with his father around 2am Saturday morning.

Cook is now charged with Felony Probation Violation, Resist, Delay or Obstruct Public Officer, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Sheriff Whisenant has also requested an SBI investigation into use of force allegations made by Cook and his mother. The deputy involved in the pursuit has completed a “use of force report,” according to the BCSO, and an internal investigation is also being conducted.