Last Updated on March 24, 2026 7:37 am
AVERY COUNTY, N.C. — A Buncombe County deputy is hospitalized and a suspect is in custody following a 60-mile vehicle pursuit that spanned five western North Carolina counties Monday before ending in a crash on Stamey Branch Road in Avery County.
The chase began when Buncombe County deputies arrived at a residence to serve an arrest warrant, according to WSOC-TV. The suspect fled the scene, striking a deputy with a vehicle while the officer stood outside his patrol car.
The pursuit traveled through Madison County, Yancey County, and Mitchell County before entering Avery County, where deputies intercepted the vehicle on U.S. 19E near the Mitchell County line, the Avery Journal reported.
“This pursuit was initiated actually in Buncombe County — and traveled through Madison County, Yancey County and Mitchell County before entering Avery County,” Avery County Sheriff Mike Henley told the Avery Journal. “The guy was driving extremely recklessly, reaching speeds from 90 to 100 miles an hour.”
Henley said deputies were able to deploy tire deflation devices known as stop sticks, successfully disabling two of the suspect's tires.
“We were able to deploy tire deflation devices known as stop sticks and had a successful deployment, which was able to take down two tires. We were able to bring the chase to a successful conclusion on Stamey Branch Road,” Henley said.
The suspect's vehicle crashed on Stamey Branch Road following the tire deflation, according to the Avery Journal. Law enforcement officers blocked off the road to secure the area as the suspect barricaded himself inside the vehicle, leading to a standoff before he eventually surrendered, WSOC-TV reported.
The suspect was treated at the scene by Avery County EMS before being airlifted to Mission Hospital, according to the Avery Journal. The injured Buncombe County deputy was also airlifted to a hospital for treatment, WSOC-TV reported. Authorities have not released specific information regarding the medical conditions of either individual.
Officials said the suspect is expected to face multiple felony charges in several counties. The suspect's identity has not been released, and it remains unconfirmed whether he was armed during the pursuit or standoff. The incident remains under investigation.
