Havelock, NC – A 24-year-old North Carolina man is wanted for murder, arson, and attempted murder of a law enforcement officer after allegedly killing his grandmother, setting her home on fire, and stabbing a sheriff’s deputy inside a Bojangles restaurant bathroom while fleeing arrest. Authorities have launched a large-scale manhunt to capture the suspect, identified as Dominic Connelly.
The Incident: Grandmother Found Dead After House Fire
According to the Craven County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a house fire on Saturday at 2010 North Carolina-101 Highway in Havelock, a city located about 135 miles southeast of Raleigh. Inside the burned home, authorities found the body of 72-year-old Patricia Lopedote, Connelly’s grandmother.
The sheriff’s office confirmed that Lopedote’s vehicle was missing from the scene and was later found abandoned in a parking lot on Pine Tree Drive in New Bern, roughly 19 miles northwest of the original location.
Investigators quickly determined the fire had been intentionally set, leading to Connelly being identified as the primary suspect in both the murder and arson.
At this stage, it remains unclear how Lopedote was killed before the fire was set.
The Search and Bojangles Confrontation
On Wednesday, authorities received a tip that Connelly had been seen at a Bojangles restaurant in Vanceboro, about 21 miles north of New Bern. Deputies from the Craven County Sheriff’s Office and other agencies quickly responded to the location.
When officers entered the restaurant, they discovered Connelly hiding in the bathroom. As deputies attempted to detain him, he allegedly pulled a knife and stabbed a deputy before fleeing the scene on foot.
“The suspect used a knife to assault a deputy and ran away,” the sheriff’s office said in a public statement.
Connelly was last seen wearing dark clothing and running toward the Bailey Lane Apartments behind the restaurant. Authorities described him as armed and extremely dangerous.
Investigation and Charges Filed
The Craven County Sheriff’s Office has issued multiple charges against Dominic Connelly, including:
- Murder in the death of Patricia Lopedote
- First-degree arson for intentionally setting her home on fire
- Attempted first-degree murder for stabbing the deputy
- Felony assault on a law enforcement officer
- Larceny of a motor vehicle for taking his grandmother’s car
Authorities are working with multiple local and state agencies to track Connelly’s movements. K-9 units, drones, and air support are being deployed across Craven County to locate him.
Public Safety Concerns and School Closures
Due to the ongoing manhunt, several local schools in the area have been closed for all students and staff, according to local officials. Residents have been urged to stay indoors and report any suspicious activity immediately.
“Do not approach this suspect under any circumstances,” the sheriff’s office warned. “If you see something, contact 911 right away.”
Authorities have also advised that Connelly may still be in possession of weapons, including the knife used in the attack on the deputy.
Community Reaction and Ongoing Efforts
The community of Craven County, which encompasses Havelock, New Bern, and Vanceboro, has been left shaken by the violent chain of events. Many residents expressed fear and disbelief that such a brutal crime could occur in their small, coastal region of eastern North Carolina.
Law enforcement agencies continue to maintain an active perimeter and have requested assistance from neighboring counties and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI).
Officials said the injured deputy is recovering and is expected to survive.
Background and Suspect Profile
Authorities have not released additional background details on Connelly, though he reportedly lived near his grandmother’s home in Havelock. Investigators are still working to establish a motive for the killing and subsequent arson.
Patricia Lopedote, described by neighbors as a kind and caring woman, had lived in the area for decades. Her death has been described as a “senseless and heartbreaking tragedy.”
Ongoing Developments and Next Steps
As of Thursday morning, law enforcement continued searching wooded areas and neighborhoods surrounding Vanceboro. Authorities believe Connelly may still be in the area but could be attempting to travel on foot or seek transportation to leave the county.
The sheriff’s office is encouraging residents to secure their homes, vehicles, and outbuildings and to remain vigilant until the suspect is apprehended.
Conclusion
The ongoing manhunt for Dominic Connelly has left an entire community on edge after the brutal killing of a grandmother, a deliberate house fire, and a violent attack on law enforcement. Authorities have vowed to pursue every lead until Connelly is found and brought to justice.
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