Last Updated on March 19, 2025 9:10 am
On March 18, 2024, a deputy with the Watauga County Sheriff’s Office attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a silver Infiniti traveling south on U.S. Highway 421 near North Pine Run Road. The vehicle was observed driving erratically and operating at approximately 35 MPH in a 55 MPH zone.
Upon initiating the stop, the driver failed to yield, switched lanes, and executed a U-turn, proceeding toward Deep Gap. Based on the driver’s behavior, the deputy suspected impairment. Emergency lights and sirens were activated, but the vehicle continued traveling toward Deep Gap without stopping.
In an effort to safely end the pursuit, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP) deployed spike strips on U.S. 421 near Orchard Road. However, the suspect avoided them by changing lanes. The pursuit continued into Wilkes County at speeds of approximately 35 MPH, with the driver successfully evading two additional spike strip deployments.
Approximately three miles into Wilkes County, the Wilkes County Sheriff’s Office assumed control of the pursuit. The Wilkesboro Police Department successfully deployed spike strips near Lowe’s Hardware in Wilkesboro, bringing the pursuit to an end. The driver was taken into custody without further incident.
The suspect, identified as Matthew David Adubato, 42, of Boynton Beach, Florida, was charged in Wilkes County with Driving While Impaired and Fleeing to Elude Arrest. Additional charges for Fleeing to Elude Arrest are pending in Watauga County.
The Watauga County Sheriff’s Office appreciates the assistance of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, Wilkes County Sheriff’s Office, and Wilkesboro Police Department in ensuring a safe resolution to this incident.
