McDowell County -- September 3, 2026: A Marion man is facing multiple felony weapons charges following an incident Sunday along the Catawba River.
Deputy Chris Dvorak with the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office arrested 44-year-old Joseph Dale Vetter of Marion after responding to a call at Mad Momma's Mudsling on Sunday, August 23. Authorities were dispatched after receiving reports of an individual waving a firearm and shouting at people floating down the river.
Upon arrival, Deputy Dvorak located a man matching the description, identified as Vetter, sitting in a chair along the riverbank. Vetter was in possession of two firearms, along with an empty liquor bottle.
A background check confirmed that Vetter is a convicted felon, legally prohibiting him from possessing or owning firearms.
Vetter was taken into custody without further incident and transported to the McDowell County Detention Center, where he was formally charged with:
Two felony counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Felon
He was placed under a $50,000 secured bond.