Pursuit Spanning Three Counties Ends With PIT Maneuver

SMITHFIELD — A high-speed chase that began in Johnston County on Tuesday afternoon ended in Cumberland County with the arrest of the driver and the seizure of his vehicle under North Carolina’s Run and You’re Done law.

The chase began on Interstate 95 when Smithfield Police attempted to stop a southbound BMW SUV with South Carolina license plates for speeding. A police supervisor quickly called off the pursuit and alerted agencies farther south.

In Harnett County, officers with the Dunn Police Department located the vehicle and attempted a second traffic stop. The driver again refused to pull over, initiating a pursuit that continued into Cumberland County.

Law enforcement followed the suspect vehicle from mile marker 70 near the Harnett County line to mile marker 41 in Hope Mills, where the SUV exited the interstate and turned onto Chicken Foot Road in Hope Mills.

At the intersection of Chicken Foot Road and Marrocco Drive, a state trooper performed a PIT maneuver, forcing the BMW off the roadway. Two male occupants were immediately detained.

No injuries to officers, suspects, or civilians were reported.

The driver is facing charges from both the State Highway Patrol and the Dunn Police Department. Authorities have not confirmed whether the passenger will also face charges.

Investigators discovered multiple boxes containing new clothing items in the SUV. The investigation is ongoing.