Suspect involved in a chase that killed mother and son will appear in court next week

HICKORY, N.C. — The man accused of leading police on a chase that killed a mother and her son will appear in court next week. 

Officials in Hickory said 24-year-old Chanceler Johnson turned himself in to the police Tuesday. Officials said he was on the run for days after police issued several warrants.

Johnson was scheduled to appear in court in Catawba County on Wednesday, but the hearing was continued to Tuesday, Sept. 26 as he tested positive for COVID-19.

"Chaneler's state of mind right is just horrified by what happened in this case," Johnson's attorney, Lisa Dubs, told WCNC Charlotte.

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Police said Johnson was the driver of the motorcycle that was fleeing from police. A Hickory police officer tried to pull the motorcycle over for careless and reckless driving and not displaying a license plate. Hickory police said the driver refused to stop, and the officers pursued the motorcycle in a chase. 

As the motorcycle and the officer reached the intersection of Highway 70 SW and 13th Street, Cynthia Nicole Lail drove her minivan into the intersection and was struck by the pursuing officer's car. 

RELATED: 'I'm angry and I am on a mission' | Family wants changes after a mother and her son died in a Hickory police chase

In response to a WCNC Charlotte inquiry, the Hickory Police Department released its pursuit policy. The 11-page document is intended to regulate when officers do and do not chase. The policy shows much of the decision-making is left up to the discretion of the officer.

READ MORE: 2 people died in a Hickory police chase. Here is the department's chase policy

Note: WCNC instituted a policy in March 2021 regarding the broadcast or posting of mugshots.  

WCNC will only air or post a mugshot if the person has been formally charged with a crime and in a few other cases. The exceptions include: If it appears the person could be a danger to themselves or others or if they are wanted by authorities; to differentiate between people with a common name; if the photos could encourage more victims to come forward. The news-editorial leadership may also decide to use a mugshot based on the severity of the crime(s) committed and/or the level of public interest in the crime and ensuing criminal proceedings. 

WCNC Charlotte is choosing to show the mugshots of the suspects in this case because of the severity of the crime.