Near Head-On Encounter Leads To Chase, Arrest Of 19-Year-Old Driver

JOHNSTON COUNTY, N.C. — A 19-year-old Wake County man is facing numerous criminal and traffic charges after Johnston County sheriff’s deputies say he led them on a late-night chase in an allegedly stolen vehicle.

The incident began around 11:15 p.m. Thursday, July 30, when a patrol deputy was traveling on Whitley Road near N.C. 222 West. According to the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office, an approaching 2010 Dodge crossed into the deputy’s lane, nearly causing a head-on collision.

The deputy turned around and caught up to the vehicle, activating his blue lights and siren. Authorities said the driver refused to stop, leading deputies on a brief pursuit.

The chase ended when the driver jumped from the moving vehicle and attempted to run, but he was quickly caught and taken into custody.

The driver, Damian Enrique Ramirez, 19, of Raleigh, was charged with felony fleeing to elude arrest, possession of a stolen motor vehicle, resisting a public officer, reckless driving with wanton disregard, driving while license revoked, speeding, failure to maintain lane control, driving left of center, and failing to stop at a stop sign.

Deputies also served Ramirez with two outstanding failure-to-appear warrants for misdemeanor possession of marijuana and resisting a public officer.

Ramirez was given an $80,000 secured bond on the Johnston County charges, along with an additional $1,000 secured bond on the outstanding warrants.