Durham deputy crashes during chase; two men sought

The deputy's name was not released, but authorities said he wasn't injured. The crash happened near West Murray Avenue and Wilbon Street at about 9:35 a.m.

The deputy began chasing the driver of a silver 2009 Nissan Maxima after an off-duty detective spotted it driving recklessly on U.S. Highway 501, going about 85 mph, according to the sheriff's office.

The chase continued onto Duke Street, where deputies were set up to deploy stop sticks near Leon Street. When the fleeing driver saw the deputies ahead, he braked hard, coming to a sudden stop, and the deputy crashed into the back of the car, authorities said.

The fleeing driver then turned around and headed north on Duke Street and turned left onto West Murray Avenue. The deputy tried to continue the chase in his damaged car, but lost control and crashed into a power pole, authorities said.

The driver of the Maxima, along with a passenger, got away.

Deputies found the abandoned Maxima about three hours later near the intersection of F and Broad streets, authorities said. The car was impounded under North Carolina's "Run and You're Done" law.

Investigators said the registered owner of the car wasn't involved in the chase, and they released an image from a store security video of a man they believe was driving the car. He has a sweatshirt with the phrase "Flipping the Bird" on it and a red ball cap.

Deputies don't have any photos of the passenger in the car but continue to search for him as well.