A Pinebluff police officer and a Moore County sheriff’s deputy pursued a stolen vehicle from Chatham County on Friday, resulting in both patrol vehicles, the stolen van, and several acres of brush burning.
According to authorities, the pursuit traveled south on U.S. 1 and crossed into the Hoffman area of Richmond County, where the driver left the roadway and drove through a field. Both law enforcement vehicles followed. As the vehicles moved through the dry field, a fire ignited, officials said, likely caused by heat from one of the patrol vehicles.
Both officers were able to safely exit their vehicles without injury. The Pinebluff officer had a police K-9 in the vehicle with him, but he was able to get the dog to safety as well.
The driver abandoned the stolen van from a heating and cooling company and fled on foot into nearby woods. Law enforcement officers and K-9 units are reportedly tracking and searching for the suspect.
Hoffman Fire and Rescue, Pinebluff Police, Aberdeen Police and the Moore County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene. The N.C. Forest Service responded and used heavy equipment to establish a fire line around the field to contain the fire. Rockwell Towing arrived on scene to assist with removing the vehicles.
Shortly before 5 p.m., Major Eric Galloway with the Moore County Sheriff’s Office shared that the subject involved in the chase is in custody and that his information will be released at a later time.
BJ Goodridge | Publisher
Article, video, and photo by Sandhills Sentinel Publisher B.J. Goodridge.
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