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Man arrested after 17-mile high-speed chase though Lincoln, Gaston counties

Richard Fuller

LINCOLNTON, N.C. — An attempt to find a man who violated his probation led to a chase through western Lincoln County and northern Gaston County last Friday, according to authorities.

Officers said they went to a home on Spring Branch Road in Cherryville, trying to find Richard Fuller, who had violated his probation.

Fuller left the home in his vehicle, and deputies were able to catch up with him on Flay Road. Police said when they tried to pull him over, Fuller sped away, leading law enforcement officers on a chase that covered 17 miles with speeds in excess of 100 mph.

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The chase went into Gaston County then back into Lincoln County, where the car crashed into the back of a U.S. Postal Service carrier’s vehicle on NC 274.

Deputies said Fuller, 26, then jumped from the vehicle and ran from the scene. Dozens of deputies arrived to try to find him but were unsuccessful.

A passenger in the car told officers he was being held against his will because Fuller refused to let him get out of the car.

Later that day, deputies learned that Fuller was possibly at the Quality Inn on East Main Street in Lincolnton.

Officers took Fuller into custody when he exited the hotel.

Fuller was charged with felony fleeing to elude arrest with a motor vehicle, felonious restraint, driving while license revoked, hit and run injury, driving left of center, possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver a controlled substance schedule IV, possession of drug paraphernalia, probation violation, careless and reckless driving, speeding to elude arrest, speeding, improper passing, failure to stop for a red light, and resist, delay and obstruct a public officer.

He was placed in jail under a $60,000 secured bond and a no-bond hold for the probation violation.