MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW) – A murder suspect connected to a North Carolina crime was arrested in Myrtle Beach.

According to a post on the Myrtle Beach Police Department Facebook page, officers arrested Matthew Ray Lawson, who was wanted for murder in Surry County, North Carolina.

Lt. Joey Crosby with the Myrtle Beach Police Department says officers tried to conduct a traffic stop Wednesday night on a car for violating the city’s noise ordinance. As officers approached the car, the driver fled. When officers found the car later, they realized the people inside had gotten out of the vehicle and run.

Officers set up a perimeter and deployed a K9 team, but the subjects were not located. Officers continued to patrol the area throughout the night.

On Thursday, officers saw a man matching Lawson’s decision walking on Joe White Avenue. When officers approached, he ran, but after a brief foot chase, the subject was arrested without incident and positively identified as Matthew Ray Lawson. A female that accompanied Lawson was also arrested, Lt. Crosby said.

Police say Lawson will be charged with fugitive from justice, possession of marijuana, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a stolen handgun, and unlawful carry of a firearm.

The Surry County Sheriff’s Office says Lawson was wanted for the murder of 27-year-old Nathan Atkins. Atkins’ body was recovered following a house fire on Starr Memory Trail in Surry County Monday morning, according to Surry County Sheriff Jimmy Combs.

The sheriff’s office reports that Lawson also had other outstanding charges, including:

  • 3 counts Felony Possession of Firearm by Felon
  • Felony Possession of Stolen Goods
  • Felony Breaking & Entering
  • 2 counts Felony Safe cracking
  • 3 counts Felony Larceny of a Firearm
  • Fail to Appear on Misdemeanor Possession of Marijuana
  • Misdemeanor Injury to Real Property
  • Felony Probation Violation
  • Misdemeanor Probation Violation

Lawson was arrested in Horry County just over a month ago on June 12, according to J. Reuben Long Detention Center booking records. He spent four days in jail for possession of meth and was released on a $1,500 bond.