High speed chase ends in arrest, crash with patrol vehicles

BELVIDERE, N.C., (WAVY) — A high speed chase on May 27 resulted in a patrol vehicle crash, an arrest and one Perquimans County Sheriff's Office employee being taken to the hospital for treatment. Highway 37 was temporarily closed while law enforcement officials removed the vehicles involved in the crash and ensured the safety of emergency responders, according to the Perquimans County Sheriff's Office. An investigator tried to stop a speeding vehicle on Swamp Road at approximately 2:53 p.m. that matched the description of a vehicle that law enforcement officers attempted to stop in Elizabeth City, N.C. The driver fled the area in the vehicle, increasing speed and continuing onto Sandy Cross Road before turning onto Belvidere Road toward Winfall, N.C., according to the sheriff's office. The vehicle was traveling near a middle school during dismissal time while there was increased traffic on the road. For this reason, law enforcement officials decided to use "tactical measures" to stop the vehicle. This resulted in a collision with a patrol vehicle. One sheriff's office employee went to Sentara Albemarle Medical Center for evaluation and treatment and has been released. Officers arrested the driver of the fleeing vehicle and took them into custody. They refused medical evaluation at the scene. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is investigating the incident. Criminal charges are pending.