SHP Helicopter Aids Law Enforcement Officers With Pursuit

CLAYTON – A State Highway Patrol helicopter aided the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office with a high speed motorcycle chase.

Around 10:45pm Thursday, June 12, a deputy sheriff attempted to stop the operator of a Suzuki motorcycle for a traffic violation on Interstate 42 at Ranch Road. The operator refused to stop and accelerated to speeds of 100 miles per hour. The pursuit traveled down Ranch Road, Lee Road, Cleveland Road, and I-40.

Due to the excessive speed and reckless driving by the suspect, deputies called off the chase.

A trooper in State Highway Patrol helicopter happened to be monitoring the pursuit and was overhead when deputies ended the pursuit.

The helicopter followed the motorcyclist as he sped back to his home on Spruce Pine Court, never losing sight of the suspect.

Deputies arrived at the address and arrested Carlos Antonio Thompson, 39, Clayton without further incident.

Thompson was arrested for felony fleeing to elude arrest, speeding, reckless driving wanton disregard, unsafe passing in a curve, unsafe passing on a yellow line, driving the wrong way on a dual lane highway, and failure to stop for a red light.

Thompson was given a $30,000 secured bond.

The motorcycle was seized. No injuries were reported.