Florida man sentenced for stealing vehicle
News, Press Release September 29, 2021
A man who sped in a stolen vehicle through Franklin last year in a botched attempt to evade law enforcement will spend 51 to 74 months in the N.C. Division of Adult Correction, District Attorney Ashley Hornsby Welch said.
Joshua Faulk, 35, of Lakeland, Florida, pleaded last week in Macon County Superior Court to:
• Felony flee to elude arrest.
• Two counts breaking and entering motor vehicle.
• Two counts misdemeanor larceny.
• Possession of a stolen vehicle.
Senior Resident Superior Court Judge Bill Coward handed down the judgment, with his sentence reflecting Faulk’s habitual-felon status.
This status enhances punishment decisions and can apply after a defendant is convicted of three felonies. Habitual felons face sentencing at a felony level four classes higher than the underlying felony convictions.
After stealing a vehicle in Tennessee, Faulk on Aug. 20, 2020, drove into North Carolina and entered Macon County via U.S. 23/441.
As Faulk topped Cowee Mountain in his vehicle and began to descend the steep grade, an N.C. Highway Patrol trooper clocked the vehicle at 105 mph along the 55-mph highway.
The trooper attempted to stop Faulk; however, he fled.
“He drove carelessly and recklessly down the road and through the town, with the car chase ending near Baird Cove Road,” said Jason Arnold, the assistant district attorney who prosecuted the case.
Faulk again attempted to escape, this time on foot. He broke into two vehicles, stealing money in the process, before being found and arrested.
In addition to the N.C. Highway Patrol, Macon County Sheriff’s Office and Franklin Police Department participated in Faulk’s arrest.
Investigation concludes on recent murder-suicide in Franklin
News, Press Release August 13, 2021
As reported in a previous press release, deputies with the Macon County Sheriff’s Office responded on Thursday, August 5th to a domestic situation after receiving a 911 call from a family member of one of the parties involved. Deputies responded to the residence located on Johnson Road where it was reported by the caller that a weapon was involved in the situation.
Upon arrival, a Macon County patrol deputy entered the residence and found two individuals suffering from gunshot wounds in the bedroom of the home. The deputy found no other persons in the home. A family member of one of the injured arrived on the scene at the same time as the deputy and advised the deputy that he had been on the phone with his brother when he heard his brother and his girlfriend arguing. While on the phone with his brother, he stated that he heard a gunshot. He stated that after one shot, his brother apologized to him for what he had done, then heard another gunshot. Once the responding deputy entered the residence, he found two gunshot victims. An adult female was deceased.
An adult male was critically injured and the deputy immediately requested assistance from medical personnel. EMS & members of West Macon Fire quickly arrived on the scene, accessed the situation, and initiate medical care. Once appropriate, the injured male was transported to the hospital to receive additional care. That patient remained hospitalized in extremely critical condition. He remained hospitalized until he succumbed to his injuries on Sunday.
On the night of the incident, the scene was secured by deputies. Detectives with MCSO Criminal Investigations Unit responded and initiated an investigation into the incident. Detectives and patrol officers remained at the home throughout the night working the crime scene and conducting interviews. The investigation continued throughout the night.
The MCSO did not identify either of the individuals involved until we had the opportunity to notify the appropriate next of kin and give those family members the opportunity to notify other family and friends.
At this time we are identifying both individuals involved in the incident, which is required of us by law when requested.
Sheriff Robert L. Holland states, “We have continued to be in communication with family members throughout our investigation. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the families of both Mr. Childers and Ms. Reece.
The investigation has officially concluded. No additional statements will be released from the Macon County Sheriff’s Office.