3 teens arrested following carjacking, high-speed chase in east Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Police have identified the two men they took into custody following a high speed police chase in east Charlotte Thursday.

Officers began pursuing a stolen car during the evening rush hour and chased it until the driver crashed into a fire hydrant and light pole on Ruth Drive, not far from Briarwood Elementary.

Investigators told Channel 9 that a 15-year-old was driving the car. He was arrested along with Calvin Debnam, 17, and Marquis Faulkner, 16.

(Debnam and Faulkner)

Police told Channel 9 that the car was stolen Wednesday during an armed carjacking on Holston Court. The car was taken from a 20-year-old Papa Johns pizza delivery driver who talked to Channel 9 but didn't want to show his face for fear of retaliation.

"I come to the door and the lady says she didn't deliver any pizza," the victim said.

He told Channel 9 he saw two men in the corner of his eye run up to him with three different guns pointed at him.

"They asked for my wallet, keys, phone, so I give them all that. I throw the key to the guy, the other guy gets in the car, turns it on," the victim said.

Debnam was also wanted for cutting off his electronic monitor last month.

Neighbors told Channel 9 that they watched as police searched for the men after the ran from the wrecked car.

“They've had dogs all around my yard and everything and they told us to stay in the house, you know, if the suspect is out here,” said Mia Burke.

Police are investigating whether the carjacking is connected to similar robberies involving food delivery drivers.

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