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Troopers trying to identify driver who eluded capture following overnight chase

By Blaine Tolison, wsoctv.com
By Blaine Tolison, wsoctv.com

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — An overnight chase along Charlotte's busiest highways has the North Carolina State Highway Patrol puzzled as to who was behind the wheel.

Troopers pulled over a man they thought was driving drunk along Interstate 85, but he sped off and led them on a pursuit to Interstate 485 and Mount Holly Road, where he crashed into a ditch and ran off.

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Authorities set up a perimeter in the area and had a police dog with them but weren’t able to track the man down.

The incident started just before 2 p.m. on W.T. Harris Boulevard when troopers stopped a driver who they believe may have been impaired. He initially stopped but then sped off from the traffic stop onto I-85 and then I-485.

Troopers said they think they know the name of the man -- Jiovanni Santos -- and it’s important they confirm his identity because that is the name of a man wanted out of California.

Channel 9 could see the tire tracks from where the chase with troopers and Charlotte-Mecklenburg police ended at the Highway 27 exit.

Troopers said it is standard procedure to chase someone who may be impaired in order to get them off the road.

They also told Channel 9 it is rare for authorities in California to have a warrant for full extradition, meaning the state would come to get him in North Carolina.

>> Channel 9 is working to confirm the suspect’s identity and hopes to release his photograph when it becomes available. Check back with wsoctv.com for updates on this story.

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