A juvenile is facing charges in two counties following a brief chase with a stolen car. It began Tuesday afternoon when a car was stolen from a Wilson pizza restaurant. A tracking device on the vehicle alerted law enforcement it was traveling southbound on Interstate 95 from Wilson into Johnston County in excess of 100 miles per hour.
Micro Police Chief T.M. Jones said he heard the stolen vehicle report from Johnston County dispatchers and positioned himself next to Interstate 95. Within moments, the speeding car drove past the officer. Chief Jones radioed his location as he traveled on I-95 southbound, as other officers got into position.
The stolen car exited off I-95 onto US 70 in Smithfield and onto Outlet Center Drive and Equity Drive before returning to US70 (Market Street) and into East Smithfield.
Near the intersection of Brogden Road and Rand Street, the fleeing driver attempted a shortcut across the grass but collided with a concrete drain.
Chief Jones said he saw three people in the car. All three fled. Two were captured and one got away.
The 17 year-old juvenile driver is facing juvenile petitions in Johnston and Wilson counties. Charges against the passenger are pending. Police are following up on leads to identify the third person who eluded apprehension.
“I appreciate the assistance of the Highway Patrol, Smithfield Police, and Johnston County Sheriff’s Office,” Micro Chief Jones said.
