NEWS

 

At Tuesday night’s Town Board Meeting, Mayor Pro Tem Autumn Michael read a statement regarding last weekend’s manhunt that ended with a suspect captured in Davidson off East Rocky River Road. Michael had previously noted that Mayor Rusty Knox was joining the meeting virtually, but she would preside over the meeting.

This is a transcript of her comments and statement made in response to the recent incident.

“I have one more announcement that I would like to share with the community.

In response to the recent incident that occurred on the east side of Davidson and ended in the search for and apprehension of a suspect of who escaped custody during a traffic stop in Iredell County on January 20, 2024, I would like to read the following statement:

On behalf of the Mayor and Board of Commissioners of the Town of Davidson, we would be remiss if we did not mention a recent incident that took place within our community over the weekend – specifically in Iredell and Mecklenburg Counties – from Saturday evening June [sic] 20 through Sunday morning, sorry – January 20 through Sunday morning, January 21, 2024.

The safety of our community is of the utmost importance, and something we take very seriously.

We recognize that the activity was frightening for some residents.

The Board has requested a full briefing from Town Staff and the Chief of Police, reviewing the incident in its entirety. We are calling for a review of the incident: including what went right and any opportunities for improvement.

This includes, but is not limited to, a review of our processes and protocols to better understand the response times and communications with residents in emergency situations.

We acknowledge the need to operate with transparency and will provide a public update when the appropriate information is available.

Thank you so much.”

In addition to the statement read by Mayor Pro Tem Michael, a young resident of Narrow Passage spoke during the public comment period to address the same incident.

Libby Slosson commended the Davidson Police Department and Iredell County Sheriff’s Department for apprehending the suspect, but highlighted the lack of communication with residents in the area.

She said “I believe the Town’s role is to make us feel safe. Davidson is one of the safest places in North Carolina. Still, when something like this arises, we need to keep citizens informed to increase their safety.”

A check of county property records reflects that the Slosson family lives on the street where the suspect was ultimately captured.

The following was posted on the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office’s “Daily Bulletin” that is available online:

Leazer, Corey Allen (W /M/33) Arrest on chrg of 1) Assault-deadly Weapon On Leo Or Govt Official (F), 2) Larceny – Misdemeanor (M), 3) Resist Delay Obstruct Public Officer (M), 4) Flee/elude Arrest W/ Mv (f) (F), 5) Drive While License Suspended Or Revoked (M), 6) No Liability Insurance (M), 7) Aggressive Driving (M), 8) Failure To Stop For Siren (M), 9) Fail Maintain Lane Control (M), 10) Drive Wrong Way On Dual Lane Road (M), and 11) Fail Yield At Stop Sign/flashing Red Light (M), at 15009 Blount End, Davidson, NC, on 1/21/2024 08:20.

The Town had issued the following statement on January 20. It was sent out to residents who signed up to receive updates from the Town via the “eCrier email subscriptions.”  

DAVIDSON, NC, — The Town of Davidson Police Department (DPD) responded to a citizen report of a suspicious vehicle found on their property on Ryker Way near Shearer Road in Mecklenburg County earlier this evening.

The DPD contacted local authorities in Iredell County after check of the vehicle’s registration showed the owner had an active warrant for a probation violation learning there was and active pursuit of the reported vehicle. The driver, now identified as Cory Allen Leazer, had been handcuffed with hands in front, assaulted an Iredell County deputy, then returned to his vehicle, fleeing the scene.nd

The suspect is a white male, 33 years old, 5’10, 180 lbs and was reported seen near Shearer Road and Ryker Way, wearing a navy-blue jacket, blue jeans, and light brown boots.

The Davidson Police Department encourages residents to remain vigilant, lock their doors, remain inside, and turn on their exterior lights. If you’ve seen this person or have any information that could be helpful to local law enforcement, please call 9-1-1.