A manhunt is underway for a person accused of killing his grandmother and assaulting a Craven County deputy.
Multiple law enforcement agencies are currently searching for Dominic Liam Connelly, according to the Craven County Sheriff’s Office.
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Connelly, 24, is accused of killing his grandmother, 72-year-old Patricia Lopedote, who was found dead inside a home on fire in Havelock on Oct. 25, police said.
Lopedote’s vehicle was missing from the residence. It was unoccupied when it was located on Monday in a parking lot on Pine Tree Drive near baseball fields in New Bern.
On Wednesday, the Craven County Sheriff’s Office responded to a Bojangles in Vanceboro after a possible sighting of Connelly.
The deputy sheriff found Connelly in the bathroom of the restaurant. Authorities said Connelly used a knife to assault the deputy before fleeing the scene on foot.
Connelly is wanted for murder, first degree arson, larceny of a motor vehicle. attempted first degree murder, felony assault on law enforcement causing serious injury and resisting a public officer.
He was last seen wearing all dark clothing running towards Bailey Lane apartments located behind Bojangles. If anyone sees Connelly do not approach and immediately call 911.
If you have any information on this case, please contact the Craven County Sheriff's Office at (252) 636-6620 or Craven County Communications at (252) 633-2357. You can also submit tips anonymously through the Craven County Crime Stoppers app at p3tips.com/986. Crime Stoppers is offering a reward for information leading to the arrest of Dominic Connelly.
WRAL has confirmed that three Craven County schools were closed Thursday due to the manhunt. Vanceboro Farm Life Elementary, West Craven Middle and West Craven High School will be closed for all students and staff.