A suspect who was allegedly involved in an incident Saturday night (February 18) involving numerous vehicles has been charged. The incident occurred in Alexander County. A Cornelius, N.C. man has been arrested by Taylorsville Police following a crash on Main Street Saturday evening.

According to information from Taylorsville Police Chief Douglas Bowman, 23-year old Colin Alexander Lavin was part of a huge contingent of vehicles that rolled into Alexander County after visiting Hickory earlier Saturday evening. Most of the individuals involved are believed to be residents of Cabarrus County.

The practice is referred to as a “takeover” by participants. The activity is fueled by social media messages and has been reported in a number of cities in North Carolina. Authorities believe that Lavin was part of close to 100 vehicles that created traffic jams and a collision with an Alexander County Sheriff’s Office Vehicle in Bethlehem earlier Saturday evening.

Taylorsville Police pursued Lavin until he crashed his vehicle on Main Street. He was taken into custody immediately and charged with a string of offenses. Those charges are reckless driving to endanger, failure to heed blue light or siren, driving left of center, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, simple possession of schedule VI controlled substance, carrying a concealed weapon, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and open container of alcohol.

A 17-year old female from Charlotte was a passenger in the vechicle operated by Lavin. She was released to the custody of her parents according to Taylorsville Police.
The “takeover” participants left Alexander County via Highway 16 and traveled back to Catawba County where they were reportedly involved in additional incidents.

Lavin was incarcerated in the Alexander County Detention Center under a secured bond of $50,000. He remained in jail as of earlier today (February 21). His next District Court date is set for April 17.