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Man arrested after officer hit by stole car during high-speed chase

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte-Mecklenburg police arrested a man overnight accused of hitting an officer with a stolen car during a high-speed chase in Plaza Midwood Wednesday afternoon.

Theodore Clark is facing numerous felony charges, including assault with a deadly weapon, possession of a stolen vehicle and hit-and-run.

Police said members from the Real Time Crime Center received a license plate reader hit Wednesday on a stolen 2005 Kia Optima that was near Central Avenue and Sharon Amity Road.

Two officers followed the car, but as they approached it the driver sped off, striking one officer, police said.

"The driver of this car intentionally turned his car and struck the officer, knocking the officer onto the car itself and into the roadway," said CMPD Maj. Mike Smathers.

"I just see this officer, flying in the air, like somersaulting, like a rag doll," witness Sam Pethea said.

The second officer realized the injured officer had only sustained minor injuries, so he started chasing the car, according to CMPD.

During the pursuit, police said Clark struck a vehicle near Central Avenue and Morningside Drive. The people inside the vehicle declined medical treatment.

The chase continued down to Logie Avenue off Central Avenue, when Clark crashed into a tree, police said.

Several neighbors told Channel 9 they saw the car drive by at a high rate of speed. They said the car was speeding when it turned from Roland Street onto Logie Avenue, went down a hill and slammed into the tree.

"I saw a white car going really fast. I was kind of wondering why he was going so fast down there," neighbor Zasha Machado said. "I was freaking out. I was like, 'Oh my gosh, this guy's gonna hit somebody.'"

Clark tried to run away but he was quickly taken into custody. The female passenger, who is a teenager, was also taken into custody.

The pair were taken to hospital for treatment.

The injured officer was also transported to the hospital and is expected to be OK.

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