Monroe, NC – A 19-year-old man was arrested after Union County deputies said he led law enforcement on a brief pursuit in an allegedly stolen vehicle before crashing into a wooded area and fleeing on foot.
According to the Union County Sheriff’s Office, deputies recently spotted a stolen vehicle while on patrol and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. Investigators said the driver allegedly refused to stop, leading deputies on a short pursuit.
Authorities said the chase ended when the driver turned onto a dead-end road and crashed into a wooded area on Midway Drive. The driver and a passenger then allegedly ran into the woods.
Drone operators from the Town of Indian Trail and Union County responded to provide aerial support, while the Stallings Police Department deployed a K-9 team to assist in the search. Deputies said the drone operators located the suspects from the air, allowing the K-9 team to quickly reach and safely take both individuals into custody without incident.
Investigators identified the driver as 19-year-old Demontrez Baker. According to the sheriff’s office, Baker was transported to the Union County Detention Center and charged with possession of a stolen motor vehicle, resisting, delaying or obstructing an officer, speeding to elude arrest, and driving without an operator’s license.
Officials said Baker received a $25,000 secured bond. The passenger, identified as a juvenile, was released to a parent, and authorities said juvenile petitions will be sought.
As with all criminal cases, the charges against Baker are allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
