NC driver faces multiple charges after police chase in stolen vehicle

COATS, N.C. (WTVD) -- A driver is facing several charges after leading authorities on a chase in a stolen vehicle ending in a crash in Harnett County.

The chase began when an Erwin police officer tried to stop the car after being alerted by a License Plate Reader (LPR). The driver refused to pull over, leading to a high-speed chase that reached speeds over 95 mph on NC Highway 55.

During the pursuit, which involved multiple law enforcement agencies, the driver swerved into oncoming traffic, forcing other vehicles off the road to avoid collisions. The chase ended when a Harnett County deputy used a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver, causing the suspect to crash into a tree line. A deputy's patrol car was also damaged in the process.

The uninjured driver was taken to the hospital for evaluation and will face charges including possession of a stolen vehicle, fleeing/eluding arrest, reckless driving endangering others, and additional offenses. Thankfully, no one else was hurt.

The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is investigating the crash, while the Erwin Police Department is handling the charges. NC Highway 55 was temporarily closed as authorities cleared the scene and conducted their investigation.