Man arrested following Four Oaks chase, crash

David Yankel Saxon Ashkenazi, of New York, faces numerous charges, including felony fleeing arrest, reckless driving and simple possession of marijuana.

The chase began when a Newton Grove police officer spotted Ashkenazi speeding, authorities said.

"As we entered the 95/301 area of Four Oaks, Johnston County, as well as Four Oaks police department, began to chase him and my officer began to back off at that point," Newton Grove Police Chief Frankie Harrell said.

The chase led officers through Four Oaks, where an unsuspecting driver pulled out in front of the pursuit, causing the Four Oaks officer and a Johnston County Sheriff’s Office deputy to crash.

The impact flipped the officer's vehicles onto its roof.

Officials have not released the name of the injured officer or deputy.

"Our officer is in good spirits," said Four Oaks Commissioner, Vic Medlin. "He had some stitches and his head is wounded, but other than that he is doing great. What's important for the town of Four Oaks is that everybody is safe. We lost a car. We didn't lose anybody else, and we are thrilled the way it ended."

While the officers involved in the crash received medical attention, several other officers continued pursuing Ashkenazi. He ultimately got lost and ended up back at the scene of the crash, where he was arrested, authorities said.

Ashkenazi told officers he was trying to get back to New York from Florida, where he purchased the motorcycle he was operating, police said.

Ashkenazi was being held in the Sampson County jail Wednesday.