Felon arrested after attempting to hide in Catawba River

(Gaston County Sheriff’s Office)

BELMONT, NC (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — A man is in custody after attempting to escape by hiding in the Catawba River.

According to police, Belmont officers responded to a Belmont residence around 12:30 p.m. Sunday in an attempt to locate 47-year-old Travis Kirby.

Kirby had outstanding warrants for drug offenses and multiple violations of domestic violence protection orders, and he was known to be armed and dangerous.

As officers approached, Kirby fled from officers on foot.

A Belmont Company sniffer dog tracked Kirby as he attempted to hide in the Catawba River.

Marines were called to recover Kirby from the river and he was taken into custody. He is currently being held for extradition.

According to the Gaston County Sheriff’s Office, he is being held on a $35,000 secured bail.

The Mount Holly Police Department, Gaston County Police, Gaston County Sheriff’s Office and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police assisted in the arrest of Kirby.