Police: Driver Refused To Stop After Allegedly Following Woman

SELMA — A 19-year-old Raleigh man is facing multiple charges after Selma police say he followed another vehicle and led officers on a brief pursuit.

According to police, the incident began around 11:30 p.m. Dec. 27 when a woman called 911 to report a vehicle closely following her while flashing lights and driving recklessly on U.S. 70.

Police said the suspect continued to follow the woman’s vehicle along U.S. 70, onto U.S. 301, Anderson Street, Crocker Street, and back onto Anderson Street before heading toward Outlet Center Drive, where a Selma police officer was positioned.

When the officer activated blue lights to conduct a traffic stop, the driver reportedly made a U-turn, ran a red light, and failed to stop. Police said the suspect reached speeds of approximately 45 miles per hour while traveling eastbound on U.S. 70 before turning onto J.R. Road and stopping in the parking lot of a Denny’s restaurant.

The driver was identified as Christian Spencer Arnold, 19, of Raleigh. He was taken into custody without incident.

Arnold has been charged with felony fleeing to elude arrest, driving after consuming alcohol while under the age of 21, driving while impaired, failure to stop at a red light, improper turn, and failure to burn headlamps.

Police said Arnold refused to submit to a breathalyzer test. No injuries were reported during the incident.