2 in custody after police chase from Erwin to Dunn ends in crash

DUNN, N.C. (WTVD) -- Two men were arrested after a traffic stop in Dunn late Saturday escalated into a vehicle pursuit that damaged two police vehicles and part of a restaurant, according to the Erwin Police Department.

Police said Officer Lamar Benjamin was conducting speed enforcement on U.S. Highway 421 near Zaxby's shortly before midnight when he clocked a white Honda Civic traveling 61 mph in a 45-mph zone. Benjamin initiated a traffic stop, and the vehicle pulled into a public parking area near Cook Out on West Cumberland Street.

According to Erwin Police Chief Jonathan Johnson, officers approached the vehicle and attempted to detain the driver, Jah'mony Donivan Zymire Lewis, 20, of Lillington. Investigators said Lewis allegedly resisted officers as he exited the vehicle.

During the encounter, police said passenger Tyleek Summers, 29, of Fayetteville, climbed into the driver's seat and drove away, leading officers on a pursuit through Dunn.

Authorities said the chase took the vehicle behind Arthur's Pizza, where the Honda struck the restaurant's exterior HVAC unit, tearing it from the building. Police said Summers then hit a patrol vehicle before continuing through the area.

The pursuit continued along West Cumberland Street toward Erwin before ending near Powell Avenue, where police said Summers suddenly braked, causing a patrol vehicle to collide with the Honda. Both vehicles were disabled, and Summers was taken into custody.

Investigators said a firearm and an unknown amount of marijuana were thrown from the vehicle during the chase. Officers later recovered the firearm and said an additional 59.4 grams of marijuana were found inside the Honda.

Summers faces charges including:

• Felony fleeing to elude arrest with a motor vehicle
• Felony possession of marijuana
• Felony possession of marijuana with intent to sell and deliver
• Resisting a public officer
• Assault on a government official
• Injury to personal property
• Injury to real property

His bond was set at $90,000 secured.

Lewis is charged with:

• Felony possession of marijuana
• Felony possession of marijuana with intent to sell and deliver
• Resisting a public officer

His bond was set at $25,000 secured.

The Dunn Police Department and Dunn Emergency Services assisted in the investigation.