22-year-old man wanted for murder arrested during traffic stop in Hickory

HICKORY, N.C. — A 22-year-old first-degree murder suspect considered armed and dangerous was arrested Thursday during a traffic stop on I-40 near Exit 123 in Hickory.

Nolan Andre Smith is accused of killing Jonathon Ross, 35, whose body was found on Friday along Spaniel Street in Connelly Springs.

On Friday morning, Smith appeared before a judge.

Burke County sheriff’s deputies were called to the home at about 12:30 a.m. on an assault call.

[PAST COVERAGE: Death investigation underway in Burke County, deputies say]

They found Ross lying in the street unresponsive with no pulse, and he died at the scene. A police report obtained by Channel 9 says Ross died as a result of a “brutal assault.”

The U.S. Marshals announced Tuesday they were offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to Smith’s arrest. There was no information immediately available if someone received the award money.

Authorities believed Smith was in eastern Burke County with friends and family members, including some of his “folk nation” gang-related associates.

The investigation into the associates is ongoing, the U.S. Marshals said.

A warrant was been issued for felony murder.

Return to this story for updates.

(Watch the video below: Death investigation underway in Burke County, deputies say)

Death investigation underway in Burke County, deputies say

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