Traffic Stop Leads to Dramatic Chase

A dramatic police chase unfolded in Wake County on Thursday, resulting in the arrest of a 19-year-old man after he led deputies on a high-speed pursuit. The pursuit came to a chaotic end when the suspect’s vehicle veered off the road and crashed, according to a statement from the Wake County Sheriff’s Office.

The incident began when deputies initiated a routine traffic stop on Simpkins Road near Lake Wheeler Drive. Initially, the driver complied and came to a stop, but abruptly decided to flee while engaged in conversation with the deputy.

Undeterred, the determined deputy pursued the vehicle as it raced through the streets, eventually reaching Hunters Bluff Drive and Penny Road, where the suspect lost control of the car and crashed. Seizing the opportunity, the driver fled on foot, leaving the scene of the accident.

Arrest and Discovery of Illicit Substances

Following the incident, law enforcement officials swiftly obtained arrest warrants for the driver, who was later identified as 19-year-old Travion Zaqueus Pittman, according to the Wake County Sheriff’s Office.

On the following day, members of the WCSO Crash Reduction Unit successfully located and apprehended Pittman. Interestingly, Pittman was found inside a vehicle accompanied by 20-year-old James Dominic Neal. During a subsequent search, deputies discovered a significant quantity of marijuana inside the car, leading to additional charges.

Legal Consequences for the Suspects

Pittman now faces charges including resisting a public officer, felony fleeing to elude arrest, reckless driving to endanger, and driving without a valid operator’s license, among other offenses. He is currently being held at the Wake County Detention Center with no bond.

Meanwhile, Neal, who was also arrested at the scene, is facing charges related to possession with intent to sell or deliver marijuana, as well as felony possession of marijuana. Similar to Pittman, Neal is being held without bond at the Wake County Detention Center.