IFN Staff
An Iredell County Sheriff’s Office canine played a significant role in the apprehension of suspects in a pair of unrelated crimes of domestic violence.
Canine Enyo, a Belgian Malinois who officially began working for the Sheriff’s Office in December, helped deputies capture Terrance Devaughn Morgan, 34, of Statesville and Ryan Daniel Underwood, 34, of Harmony. The 2-year-old canine is trained in suspect apprehension, narcotics detection, tracking missing or wanted people, and article detection.
Sheriff Darren Campbell announced the arrests on Tuesday.
The first incident began during the early morning hours of May 14 when ICSO deputies responded to a domestic disturbance involving Morgan, Campbell said.
The victim reported waking up to find Morgan inside her residence, according to the news release. After reportedly entered through a window, the suspect assaulted the woman, who escaped to a nearby residence and called 911, the sheriff said.
Deputies established a perimeter while Deputy Ball deployed a drone and Deputy Berrier deployed Canine Enyo. Morgan fled the area, but Canine Enyo tracked him for nearly a mile while the drone assisted deputies from the air.
Morgan was ultimately located behind a residence on Muddy Lane and taken into custody about 3 a.m., according to the news release.
Sgt. D. Frye arrested Morgan and transported him to the Iredell County Detention Center. Morgan was charged with Felony First-Degree Burglary, Misdemeanor Assault on a Female, Misdemeanor Crime of Domestic Violence, Misdemeanor Simple Possession of Marijuana, and Misdemeanor Possession of Marijuana Paraphernalia. Magistrate M. Russell issued Morgan a no bond.
Later that evening, deputies responded to a report of domestic dispute involving Underwood, Campbell said.
The victim told deputies that Underwood, who was the subject of an active Domestic Violence Protection Order, arrived at the residence and assaulted her before fleeing in her vehicle, according to the news release.
Lt. C. Little confirmed the protection order was valid and learned that Underwood also had outstanding warrants related to a previous Domestic Violence Protective Order violation. Warrants were obtained charging Underwood with Misdemeanor Domestic Violence Protective Order Violation, Misdemeanor Stalking, Misdemeanor Unauthorized Use of Motor Vehicle, Misdemeanor Assault on a Female, and Misdemeanor Crime of Domestic Violence.
About 11:45 p.m., deputies responded after Underwood returned to the victim’s residence before fleeing on foot before their arrival. Deputies established a perimeter while Deputy Ball deployed a drone and Deputy Berrier again deployed Canine Enyo. Underwood ignored commands and continued fleeing before being located by the drone and tracked by Canine Enyo to McCarran Trail, where he was taken into custody.
Deputy S. Paul arrested Underwood and transported him to the Iredell County Detention Center. Underwood was additionally charged with Misdemeanor Domestic Violence Protective Order Violation, Misdemeanor Stalking, and Misdemeanor Resist, Obstruct, or Delay. Magistrate M. Russell issued a no bond.