A driver who tried to outrun Johnston County state troopers during a three county high speed chase that at times reached 155 mph is facing numerous charges.
Around 11:00pm Saturday, a state trooper traveling southbound on Interstate 95 near Four Oaks saw three motorcycles speeding between 90 and 100 mph in the northbound lanes. The trooper was unable to turn around on the motorcyclists so he radioed another trooper who was stationary on I-95 running radar just ahead of the speeding bikes.
Trooper C.J. Bell told WTSB News his radar unit clocked one of the motorcycles traveling at 91 mph. After getting behind the bike he turned on the blue lights to his patrol cruiser. As the bike moved from the left to right lane and slow down as if to stop, the driver suddenly accelerated and quickly reached speeds in excess of 150 mph.
The driver, identified as 26 year-old Stiphin Joseph Small of Willingboro, New Jersey began passing cars on the left and right shoulder, even passing between vehicles.
The chase continued into Wilson and Nash counties before Small reportedly ran out of gas on his 2004 Suzuki GSX and was forced to stop.
The 47 mile chase, which involved officers from all 3 counties, lasted a little more than 20 minutes.
Small was charged with felony fleeing to elude arrest, speeding 145 mph in a 65 mph zone, failure to display a license plate, reckless driving, and possession of marijuana. Small, who was jailed under a $101,000 bond, made his first court appearance Tuesday on the charges.
His motorcycle was seized under the state’s Run And You’re Done law. No injuries or accidents were caused by the pursuit.
