Man accused of leading officers on 90-minute chase across Charlotte to face judge

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The man accused of leading officers on a 90-minute chase will face a judge Monday afternoon.

Police took 58-year-old Willie Leon Davis into custody after he led officers on a pursuit across Charlotte Friday.

[PHOTOS: Chopper 9 overhead police pursuit across Charlotte]

Around 11:30 a.m., Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department's helicopter, "Snoopy," began following a stolen black Nissan hatchback. Chopper 9 Skyzoom quickly spotted the vehicle a short time later as it sped down streets, driving erratically and not stopping.

Channel 9 watched as the driver weaved in and out of traffic, turned around several times, crossed double yellow lines and even drove the wrong way at times.

“We were watching the livestream, and there were helicopters and police cars running up and down the road,” Charlotte resident Austin Hutchinson said.

Chopper 9 Skyzoom was also overhead when the driver stopped at the intersection of Sharon Amity Road and Shamrock Drive and an officer with his gun drawn approached.

The officer appeared to be shouting at the driver to surrender and even grabbed at the driver side door, but the man sped off.

(WATCH: Driver speeds away from officer with gun drawn during pursuit)

Chopper 9 watched from above as Davis jumped out of the car on Creighton Drive in east Charlotte, and ran off. Officers were able to quickly catch up with him and wrestled him to the ground before placing him in handcuffs.

Chopper 9 Skyzoom was overhead throughout the 90-minute pursuit as the car drove over yellow lines and crossed into oncoming traffic. The pursuit moved all across the city, from Monroe Road to Providence Road to Barclay Downs Drive to the NoDa neighborhood.

The vehicle was moving quickly and driving dangerously in some of the busiest areas of Charlotte during lunchtime.

Many people Channel 9 spoke with said they were shocked the driver sped through the popular areas with a lot of pedestrians.

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“For me to be standing here and something like that happen, that’s really crazy,” Charlotte resident Wayne Stover said. “I have a newborn son, so that’s crazy.”

Chopper 9 Skzyoom saw the car hop over curbs and cut through parking lots

The pursuit moved from SouthPark through southeast Charlotte and east Charlotte into north Charlotte before ending on the east side of town.

CMPD Chief Kerr Putney took to social media to applaud how his officers handled the situation, saying he was proud of their professionalism, restraint and outstanding work.

Police said the car was stolen along North Tryon Street in north Charlotte on Thursday.

They said Davis has been charged with possession of stolen motor vehicle, two counts of hit-and-run, two counts of felony flee to elude, driving while license revoked, resisting arrest, speeding, reckless driving and stop sign violation.

Check back for updates on this developing story.

Cox Media Group