Last Updated on April 20, 2026 3:00 pm
The Ashe County Sheriff's Office has released a full account of a dangerous high-speed pursuit that ended with a federal fugitive in custody Friday evening, April 17.
Jason Michael Benfield, 46, of Laurel Springs, was charged after a pursuit that began near Woodstown Road and Highway 221 and ended at the intersection of Highway 16 North in West Jefferson, where an officer used his patrol vehicle to stop the fleeing truck.
According to Sheriff B. Phil Howell, deputies had been searching for Benfield due to outstanding federal warrants. When deputies located him in a white Chevrolet 3500 truck and activated their sirens and blue lights, Benfield failed to yield and fled at speeds exceeding 120 mph through West Jefferson and Jefferson, running several red traffic lights while weaving in and out of traffic.
West Jefferson Police, Jefferson Police, and the NC State Highway Patrol joined the Ashe County Sheriff's Office in the pursuit. When Benfield reached the intersection of Highway 16 North, Officer Graybeal of the West Jefferson Police Department was able to pull his patrol car in front of Benfield's truck. The suspect rammed the patrol car. Sgt. Hicks of the Ashe County Sheriff's Office then boxed in the vehicle, and deputies were able to detain Benfield.
Benfield was transported to Ashe County Memorial Hospital for a routine check and later booked at the Ashe County Detention Center on no bond. Under North Carolina law, a no-bond status means a judge has ordered the individual to remain in custody until the case is resolved or a new bond hearing is held.
Benfield was charged with felony federal fugitive status, two counts of felony assault on an officer with a deadly weapon, felony flee to elude, speeding exceeding 100 mph, and careless and reckless driving to endanger.
Sheriff Howell thanked ACSO deputies, West Jefferson Police, Jefferson Police, the NC State Highway Patrol, and Ashe Medics for their response.
