MORGANTON, N.C. — The Burke County Sheriff’s Office arrested a man who led officers on a high-speed chase while shooting a gun at them, the sheriff's office said.
Deputies found a gunshot victim with minor injuries and called for backup in order to search for the person who shot into the victim's car.
They found a car that matched a description of the suspect's car in a driveway on Eastbrook Circle. But, when deputies tried to talk with the man, they said he reached between the driver's seat and the console.
"The suspect reentered the vehicle and fled the scene at a high rate of speed. During the vehicle pursuit, the driver held a firearm out the window, discharging multiple rounds toward deputies," the sheriff's office said in a statement.
Officials identified the suspect as Thomas Wayne Carlson III.
They chased him for several miles before deploying spike strips on Rutherford College Road. The chase continued through Burke County and came to an end on Devinney Street.
Carlson ran away on foot to a nearby house.
Deputies searched the car and issued a search warrant for the house at 537 Amherst Road where officers said Carlson had barricaded himself.
After two hours of negotiating with Carlson, the sheriff's SWAT team was able to arrest him without incident.
He faces multiple charges, including; Assault on Law Enforcement Officer with a Firearm, Flee to Elude Arrest, Attempt Discharge Weapon into Occupied Vehicle, Possession of Firearm by Felon, Reckless Driving, Resisting Public Officer, Speeding, Fail to Heed Light or Siren, Drive Left of Center and Unsafe Passing.
Carlson is being held at the Burke County Jail under no bond.
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