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Burke Co. man wanted in multistate crime spree captured

BURKE COUNTY, N.C. — A man who eluded police for more than a month is now in jail, and police said he is a danger to the public.

Deputies said Jason Laws’ luck ran out after they received a tip he was inside a home south of Lenoir. When they got there, Laws made one last effort to keep from being caught.

"I haven't done anything, man. I don't know nothing about it," he said.

Laws said repeatedly he did not know why deputies had him under arrest. The last time investigators saw him, they said they shot out the tires on an SUV after he nearly hit one of their officers.

Police said he's responsible for stealing cars and leading law enforcement on chases from Morganton to Florida.

"He had no concern for other people. We've chased him twice in vehicles. He has ran every time he's had the opportunity," said Sheriff Steve Whisenant.

"He always runs from law enforcement. He always wants to fight. He has never gone peacefully and never plans to," said Caldwell County Sheriff Alan Jones.

After one chase, police said Laws stole back the SUV they had impounded.

In Florida, he's accused of eluding officers during a chase in an orange grove even though they had K-9 teams and a helicopter involved in the search.

"The cops, when they got me, that's how I got like this. They hit me. They beat me," Laws said.

But deputies said the broken nose and bruises came when Laws dove through a window at a home they had surrounded.  Officers said they used a Taser to subdue him.

Neighbors are glad it is over.

Laws already went to court in Lenoir where he asked for a court-appointed attorney.

He goes back to court Tuesday morning in Morganton.

His bond is currently $110,000.

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