NORTH CAROLINA — A South Carolina man is facing multiple felony charges after authorities say a traffic stop in North Carolina led to a multi-vehicle chase spanning two states.
According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the incident began around 11:40 a.m. Wednesday when a trooper attempted to stop a pickup truck for speeding on U.S. 221 south near Harris Henrietta Road in Rutherford County.
Authorities said the driver, identified as Austin Shane Tucker, fled the stop, prompting a pursuit. Troopers deployed stop sticks, which brought the vehicle to a halt after it struck them.
Officials said Tucker then ran from the scene and stole a motorcycle from a nearby residence. A trooper later spotted the motorcycle traveling at a high rate of speed, leading to another pursuit along U.S. 221 toward South Carolina.
During the chase, Tucker reportedly crashed the motorcycle in a private driveway and fled on foot. Investigators said he then stole another pickup truck that was pulling a trailer and continued into South Carolina.
Authorities said Tucker later stole a third vehicle in South Carolina before being pursued back into North Carolina, where he crashed again and attempted to flee on foot.
Law enforcement officers ultimately apprehended Tucker in North Carolina. Officials also determined he had outstanding warrants.
Tucker is now facing multiple charges, including larceny of motor vehicles, felony fleeing to elude, and several misdemeanor offenses. The investigation remains ongoing.
