48-year-old Roan Sterling of Buoy Lane in Denver was arrested by Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputies this morning (June 30) and charged with felony fleeing to elude arrest and assault on a government official. He was also charged with misdemeanor counts of resisting a public officer, reckless driving, speeding, and improper passing on the right.

Sterling was arrested following a vehicle chase in Lincoln County this morning that ended when the suspect vehicle crashed in Mecklenburg County. The incident began when Deputies stopped a vehicle on North Carolina Highway 16 at about 8 a.m. for an expired license plate. When Officers approached, the driver refused to roll down his window and speak with them. He then backed into one of the Officers and fled the scene, traveling south on Highway 16. The injured Officer sustained minor injuries that required stitches.

The pursuit continued into Gaston and Mecklenburg counties where the suspect crossed the median, stuck another vehicle, and crashed into a wooded area near Nance Cove Road. Lincoln County Deputies and Charlotte Mecklenburg Police removed the man from the vehicle and took him into custody.

The driver, Roan Sterling, was placed in the Harven A. Crouse Detention Center under a $50,000 secured bond. No court appearances are currently listed in connection with today’s arrest; however, Sterling does have District Court dates in Lincoln County on a number of similar charges coming up on August 8, 17, and 18.

The investigation is continuing. Additional charges are possible.