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Suspect In Custody After Multi-County Chase

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Troopers Nab Suspect In Tar River To End Bizarre Chase
ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. — A man driving a stolen vehicle led authorities on a high-speed chase through at least four counties Monday before then fleeing on foot and jumping into the Tar River just east of Rocky Mount.

The Highway Patrol and several other law-enforcement agencies took the suspect into custody after pursuing him for more than 90 minutes.

The suspect has been identified as Timothy William Keyser, 40, of Avon, N.C. He has been charged with felony speeding to elude arrest, felony possession of a stolen vehicle, reckless driving, and driving without an operator's license.

Keyser is being held in the Johnston County Jail. Bail has not been set.

Troopers said Keyser is a suspect in the armed carjacking of the Jeep Cherokee he was operating. Authorities from Virginia Beach are enroute to pick Keyser up and return him to Virginia Beach.

According to the Highway Patrol, the vehicle chase began at 9:13 a.m. A trooper spotted the Cherokee, which had been reported stolen from Virginia Beach, traveling north on Interstate 95 in Johnston County. The driver refused to stop after the trooper's blue lights came on.

The chase surpassed speeds of 100 miles per hour and went through Wayne County, back into Johnston County, Wilson County, Nash County and Edgecombe County. A Highway Patrol helicopter also participated in the pursuit.

Keyser reportedly struck several vehicles as he fled from troopers. No serious injuries were reported.

Keyser reportedly avoided stop sticks several times before finally hitting stop sticks on Highway 97 near N.C. 43 in Rocky Mount.

Keyser then got out of the Jeep and ran. He jumped in the river and reportedly was wearing only his underwear when he was arrested.

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