Man accused of trying to run over former Columbus County sheriff

WHITEVILLE, NC (WWAY) — A Whiteville man is accused of trying to break into a piece of rental property that just happens to be owned by the former sheriff.

The alleged crime happened around 2:00 a.m. Saturday.

According to the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office, Matthew Burney, 42, tried to break into a piece of property in the 8000 block of Red Hill Road in Whiteville.

Former Sheriff Chris Batten owns the property and was alerted that a break-in was happening. When Batten got to the home, he approached Burney. The Sheriff’s Office says Burney then tried to hit Batten with his vehicle.

When law enforcement stopped Burney, he had crack cocaine on him.

Burney is charged with burglary, assault with a deadly weapon, possession of cocaine, and was served with a failure to appear.

Burney is in jail under a $35,000 bond.