WINDSOR, N.C. (WNCT) — Four people, one a juvenile, were taken into custody on Saturday after a high-speed chase resulted in a crash involving the vehicle and a Bertie County Sheriff’s vehicle. A deputy’s gun was also accidentally fired.
Bertie County Sheriff Tyrone Ruffin reported Saturday night in a Facebook post that Sgt. D. Young tried to make a traffic stop around 11:14 a.m. in Lewiston. The deputy clocked the vehicle going 72 mph in a 55 mph zone. The vehicle failed to stop and a chase ensued.
The chase reached 100 mph as other deputies joined in the pursuit. Officials said the vehicle being chased later made a U-turn and sped toward the deputies. That vehicle crashed into the one driven by Deputy Gaskins, who joined in the chase. After the vehicle being chased rolled to a stop, four suspects exited and tried to run away.
Young and others began chasing the suspects into the woods. During that foot chase, Gaskins drew his gun and gave commands while approaching the suspects. Ruffin said, “Gaskins then lost his footing while approaching the suspects in the dense foliage, uneven terrain and underbrush at that time, Deputy Gaskins’ firearm was discharged.” Nobody was struck by the gunfire.
Two of the suspects were later captured as other agencies, including a K-9 unit, joined in the chase. The other two were taken into custody in the woods. A probable cause search of the vehicle was made and several guns, drugs and other items were found.
Arrested were:
JOEL MENDEZ
DOB-07/21/1999
CHARGES:
Felony-Flee/Elude Arrest with Motor Vehicle
F-AWDW Govt/Camp/Comp Officer/Empl
F-PWISD Marijuana
F-Maintain Veh/Dwell/Place CS
F-Felony Possession Marijuana
Failure to Heed Lights & Siren
Reckless Driving to Endanger
Resisting Public Officer
Carrying Concealed Weapon
BOND $200,000
CURTIS FRANCIS
CHARGES:
Felony-Possession Firearm by Felon
Carrying Concealed Weapon
BOND $40,000
ZYREKE PUGH
CHARGES:
Resist Public Officer
Carrying Concealed Weapon
BOND $10,000
JUVENILE SUBJECT (not named)
*Released to Guardian
