Man Accused Of Stealing SUV, Breaking Into Home, Assaulting Officer

CLAYTON — A Clayton man is facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges after authorities said he stole a vehicle, nearly struck a person while fleeing, entered a neighboring home and later kicked a police officer.

The incident happened during the early morning hours of Sept. 23 at a residence just outside the Clayton town limits.

Steven Dale Davis, 54, of Page Street, Clayton, is accused of entering a garage and stealing a Ford Bronco.

As Davis attempted to leave, authorities said he was confronted by a person at the residence. Davis allegedly sped away in the Bronco and nearly struck the individual with the vehicle.

The commotion reportedly awakened a neighbor.

Investigators said Davis then went onto the neighbor’s property and confronted him.

The neighbor fired warning shots, but Davis allegedly continued following the man and went just inside the doorway of his home.

A Clayton Police officer arrived at the scene moments before Johnston County sheriff’s deputies and located Davis nearby.

Authorities allege Davis kicked the police officer while being taken into custody.

Johnston County deputies charged Davis with first-degree burglary, breaking and entering, larceny of a motor vehicle, assault with a deadly weapon and assault on a government official.

Authorities said the incident was not random.