BURKE COUNTY, N.C. — The North Carolina State Highway Patrol said it has arrested a man accused of leading troopers on a high-speed chase that reached speeds near 110 mph in Burke County.
Officials said Tyler South is charged with a half dozen felonies after police said he struck innocent drivers and highway patrol cruisers.
The charges include felony speeding to elude and trafficking meth and heroin.
Channel 9's Dave Faherty spoke with South as officers led him into jail. South denied knowing anything about the chase.
"I ain't got no story, get out of my face," South said. "I don't even own a car, get away from me."
Investigators said two patrol cars and three other cars were damaged during the chase on March 7 on Interstate 40.
Officials said they discovered meth, heroin, and marijuana after he wrecked into a parked car along Highway 64.
Authorities said South tried to get away, but jumped out while the car was still moving before it struck two highway patrol cars.
Troopers brought in tracking dogs, but have been unable to locate South. Officials said they were able to identify him as the driver after he left behind his cell phone.
Sheriff Deputies, highway patrol, and federal marshals said his run from the law ended when they surrounded a home near Lake James.
"Absolutely dangerous to an increasing level. Mr. South has to say what he believes is appropriate, but of course, he'll have his day in court," North Carolina Highway Patrol Sgt. Robert Keller said.
Victim Charles Worley said he was struck twice by the suspect, causing him to spin out and wreck a short distance from his home.
"Just like a blink. You know how a wreck is, they happen so fast. But, I knew when my car went around like that and I got stopped. And, I had to get out of the passenger door because this wouldn't open," Worley said.
Neighbor Danny Rector said it is lucky no was hurt or killed.
"Lucky somebody didn't get killed. Speed like that is the worst thing in the world," Rector said.
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