BENSON – Numerous law enforcement officers were involved in an early-morning chase that started in Johnston County and ended in Harnett County.
Around 12:05am Monday, a Johnston County state trooper attempted to stop a Ford Explorer traveling eastbound on Interstate 40, just south of the NC 210 (McGee’s Crossroads) Exit. The vehicle refused to stop and reached speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour.
The suspect exited I-40 onto NC 242 and traveled into the Benson city limits. The pursuit continued onto US 301 South into Harnett County. While traveling on Hodges Chapel Road, fleeing driver ran off the roadway in a curve and into a field. The Explorer became stuck and the driver fled on foot.
A juvenile passenger was located in the SUV.
Law enforcement officers set up a perimeter around the area where the driver fled. A Harnett County Sheriff’s Office K-9 responded and within 10 minutes the suspect was in custody.
A stolen pistol was reportedly found inside the SUV.
The name of the driver was not immediately released.
