Police Say Suspect Tried To Outrun Officers — On A Bicycle

DUNN — A Spring Lake man learned Thursday that a bicycle is no match for police — especially when the chain comes off.

Dunn police said Officer Blanchard was on routine patrol Jan. 15 when he spotted Jonathan Miller, 44, riding a bicycle through town. Officer Blanchard recognized Miller as being wanted on felony larceny charges and attempted to stop him.

Instead, police said, Miller stood up on the pedals and chose flight over cooperation.

What followed was a brief but determined bicycle escape attempt that drew the attention of additional officers. Police noted Miller appeared committed to his plan, though his Merrell boots and choice of transportation offered limited advantages.

Officer Fernandez, already headed toward the area, soon spotted Miller pedaling away and began closing the distance. Police said Fernandez’s pace quickly outmatched Miller’s, prompting Miller to abandon the bicycle and sprint across the parking lot at Crossroads Ford in a last-ditch effort to escape.

That effort ended almost as quickly as it began.

Police said the bicycle’s chain came off during the pursuit, effectively ending Miller’s two-wheeled getaway and leaving him to rely on his running ability alone — a strategy that proved equally unsuccessful. Fernandez caught Miller after a short foot chase and took him into custody without further incident.

Miller was transported to the Harnett County Detention Center, where he was charged with felony larceny and resisting, delaying or obstructing a public officer.

Bond was set at $30,000 secured on the felony charge, with an additional $1,500 secured bond on the misdemeanor charge.

No injuries were reported.