Monroe, North Carolina – A suspect is in custody after allegedly leading deputies on a dangerous vehicle pursuit through Union County that began along Highway 74 and ended with a foot chase and arrest, according to authorities.
According to the Union County Sheriff’s Office, deputies attempted to stop a Ford Fusion on Wednesday morning after noticing a fictitious license plate. The driver, identified as Lablunta Plonton, allegedly failed to stop and led deputies on a pursuit eastbound on Highway 74, at times driving erratically and on the wrong side of the road.
Authorities say the pursuit continued onto Walkup Avenue and several side streets as the suspect allegedly attempted to evade law enforcement. Officers with the Monroe Police Department deployed stop sticks, successfully deflating the vehicle’s tires. The vehicle continued onto Ashcraft Avenue before slowing down.
Investigators say Plonton allegedly jumped from the moving vehicle and fled on foot, dropping paperwork from the Gaston County Detention Center during the escape. During the pursuit, he allegedly climbed a fence topped with razor wire. Deputies used a drone and K9 units but were initially unable to locate him.
Later, Monroe police reportedly stopped another vehicle for an expired registration tag and found Plonton inside. Officers observed injuries consistent with razor wire, and he was taken into custody without further incident and transported to a hospital for treatment.
Plonton was later booked into the Union County Detention Center and charged with multiple offenses, including felony flee to elude arrest, reckless driving, and resisting officers. Authorities say he received a $15,000 secured bond, which has since been met.
