Driver Takes Chase Through Cow Pasture Before Capture

JOHNSTON COUNTY, N.C. – A 36-year-old Fayetteville man is facing a long list of charges after authorities said he led deputies on a high-speed chase that went off road through a livestock gate, electric fence and cow pasture.

The incident began August 5 when the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office responded to Lowe’s Home Improvement off Veterans Parkway.

Authorities said William Matthew Jones of Fayetteville entered the garden center, placed several items in a shopping cart and then went to the customer service counter. Jones allegedly claimed he had previously purchased the merchandise and attempted to return the items for a $103 refund.

The alleged scheme was unsuccessful, and Jones reportedly fled the business in a black 2018 Chevrolet Silverado pickup.

Responding officers located the truck nearby in the Walmart parking lot, but authorities said Jones refused to stop and sped away eastbound on Veterans Parkway.

Deputies pursued the pickup along Veterans Parkway, Amelia Church Road, Barber Mill Road, Cleveland Road and Short Johnson Road.

The pursuit then went off road.

Authorities allege Jones used the pickup to ram through a livestock gate and electric fence before driving into a cow pasture and adjoining field in an attempt to get away.

Jones eventually made his way back onto the highway, continuing onto Cleveland Road and Allen Road before turning onto Manor Drive.

The pursuit came to an end at the dead end of Manor Drive, where Jones was taken into custody.

Authorities said speeds during the pursuit exceeded 100 mph at times. No injuries were reported.

Jones was charged with felony fleeing to elude arrest, failure to stop at a red light, driving left of center, injury to property, second-degree trespassing, attempting to obtain property by false pretense and misdemeanor possession of marijuana.

The Chevrolet Silverado was seized under North Carolina’s Run and Done law.