Suspect charged after allegedly fleeing police

Steven Tyler Hass, 26, of Statesville, was arrested Tuesday (Sept. 17) by Statesville police. He is charged with fleeing to elude arrest with a motor vehicle, along with several traffic violations, including reckless driving and driving under the influence.

At approximately 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, an officer with the Statesville Police Department observed a traffic violation involving a black 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser. The vehicle was making a left turn from Wilson Lee Boulevard westbound onto US 70 (Garner Bagnal Boulevard). The vehicle was exceeding the posted speed limit while traveling westbound on 70. The officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but the driver fled, resulting in a pursuit.

The suspect, later identified as Steven Tyler Hass, drove eastbound on I-40 at the 148 mile marker, with the pursuit continuing eastward at speeds of up to 100 mph. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol deployed stop sticks near the 166 mile marker, which struck the fleeing vehicle. Despite the impact, the suspect continued eastbound on I-40, turning onto U.S. 64 at the 168 mile marker.

The effects of the stop sticks quickly became apparent as the vehicle began to weave across the lanes of U.S. 64. The driver continued for approximately 1.25 miles before stopping at the intersection of U.S. 64 and Madison Road in Mocksville. The Statesville Police Department, with assistance from the State Highway Patrol and the Davie County Sheriff’s Office, arrested Hass without further incident.

Hass was placed in the Iredell County Detention Center under a $25,000 bond. A District Court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 8.