Trooper involved in crash, 100 mph chase with fugitive

The chase started in Nash County and ended in a crash after 2 a.m. near New Hope Road.

According to the Nash County Sheriff's Office, a police officer and a Nash County deputy were conducting random traffic stops on U.S. Highway 64 when they tried to stop a car near Spring Hope. The driver did not comply, speeding away toward Raleigh and leading law enforcement on a chase that reached speeds of 100 mph.

The driver entered Wake County and took the New Hope Road exit before making a U-turn in front of the Raleigh Fire Department on Poole Road and colliding into a trooper's vehicle.

The trooper was not injured.

The driver's car overturned, and the man was taken to WakeMed for observation but released a short time later.

Officials said the trooper was not injured.

Joe Albert Ashley, Jr., 30, was charged with felony fleeing to elude arrest and careless and reckless driving. According to the sheriff's office, Ashley was wanted out of Virginia and Maryland for probation and drug violations.

A tow truck was on site to remove the vehicles at 4:30 a.m., and the scene cleared by 5 a.m.