A driver fled on foot Wednesday night after he led law enforcement on a brief chase and then crashed outside of Cameron at the Moore/Harnett County line near Woodlake County Club.
An Aberdeen Police officer was on patrol when he noticed a Chevrolet Silverado had a violation and initiated a traffic stop. According to authorities, the driver ran a red light, and the officer began to chase the suspect on Highway 15-501, northbound. Shortly after, the officer’s superior called off the chase, and area law enforcement agencies were immediately notified of the vehicle description.
The Moore County Sheriff’s Office began patrolling possible areas the driver might have been heading. A short time later, a unit with the Moore County Sheriff’s Office spotted the vehicle headed east on Cypress Church Road and turned around to follow the truck. According to officials, the suspect began to flee but lost control east of Murdock C Road at the Harnett County line.
The truck rolled at least twice before stopping upright on the shoulder of the road. According to police, the driver jumped out and fled on foot in an unknown direction. The passenger was not injured and cooperated with law enforcement at the scene.
Cypress Church Road was shut down for an extended period while law enforcement searched the area for the suspect. A K9 from Southern Pines Police Department was assisting, and a bloodhound from Sanford was later called in.
On Thursday, Justin Martin, 30, of Lillington, North Carolina, was located and arrested on charges of felony flee to elude with a motor vehicle, reckless driving with wanton disregard, aggressive driving, speeding, failing to stop at a steady red light, expired registration, rear lamps violation, and cover registration plate.
He received a $50,000 secured bond and is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Photo of Justin Martin provided by Aberdeen Police Department.
~Article and photo of truck by Sandhills Sentinel reporter Daniel Gwyn.
