Attempt to outrun police lands man in hospital

Raleigh and Garner police chased a man Tuesday afternoon after he fled from an officer who tried to arrest him on outstanding charges.

The chase and subsequent wreck closed lanes briefly on Interstate 40 East near U.S. Highway 70.

According to Raleigh police, officers spotted a car belonging to Stephen Earl Purnell parked behind a building on Poole Road. A check showed Purnell was wanted for driving with a revoked license and speeding. When he returned to the car, officers tried to arrest him, but Purnell hopped in the car and sped off.

Garner police picked up the chase as Purnell headed east on I-40. They said Purnell's car eventually blew out a tire near mile marker 307 and flipped. He was taken to WakeMed, but he was expected to recover from his injuries.

Purnell now faces new charges based on Tuesday's chase including assault with a deadly weapon on a law enforcement officer and felony speeding to elude. He will be arrested after he is released from the hospital and booked into the Wake County Jail.