Car goes airborne, crashes into top of tree during police chase

One man was taken into custody early Thursday after his car crashed during a police chase that started in Raeford and ended in Aberdeen.

Around 2 a.m., officials responded to a crash at the intersection of U.S. Highway 15-501 and N.C. Highway 211.

An investigation revealed that a 2013 Dodge Charger had been driving into Aberdeen on N.C. Highway 211. The car was traveling at 135 mph attempting to escape officials from the Raeford Police Department and the Hoke County Sheriff’s Department, who were in pursuit of the driver.

According to officials, when the suspect reached the intersection, his vehicle crashed through the guardrail and became airborne before striking a large tree.

Photos show that the tree was struck at an estimated 10 to 12 feet off of the ground before the car landed nearby.

The 16-year-old driver, who was wearing his seatbelt, was evaluated by paramedics at the scene before refusing treatment or transport and being taken into custody by police. The crash is under investigation.