CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and the Highway Patrol are noticing an increase in the number of drivers who refuse to pull over during a traffic stop.
[ARTICLE: Man in stolen Honda leads CMPD officers on chase]
On Friday, Theodore Gregory, 16, led officers on a wild chase and came dangerously close to sideswiping other drivers and crossing over sidewalks.
There have been about 32 police pursuits so far this year -- the same amount there were in the entire year of 2014.
In 2015, there was a total of 34 and in 2016, there was a total of 47.
The Police Department wouldn't comment Monday on what might be behind the spike.
Troopers acknowledged the increase in Mecklenburg County chases.
"It’s predominantly increasing,” Trooper Ray Pierce said. “We had 23 in 2016. We’re at 37 for 2017. It's definitely increased since last year.”
Pierce said there isn't a dominant reason for people refusing to stop.
A public defender tried to have Gregory’s bond reduced and have him released to his mother but because of the seriousness of the charges, the judge declined.
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