Aug. 12--DURHAM -- A Durham man is in jail after leading Durham County sheriff's deputies and a N.C. State Highway Patrol trooper on an 11-mile car chase through sections of eastern and northern Durham Friday night, authorities said.
The chase began near the intersection of South Miami Boulevard and Pleasant Drive 10:15 p.m. when a 2008 Honda Accord, driven by 32-year-old Maurice Lamont Powell of Cannada Avenue crossed the center line and nearly collided with a sheriff's patrol car being driven by Deputy V.S. Buchanan, according to a media release from Deputy Paul Sherwin, public information officer for the Durham County Sheriff's Office.
Buchanan tried to stop the car for crossing the center line, but the driver refused to stop and began to flee southbound on South Miami Boulevard, Sherwin said.
The pursuit continued to Marly Drive, Angier Avenue, Tyonek Drive and back to South Miami Boulevard, reaching speeds of 80 miles per hour. The chase continued north on South Miami Boulevard to Highway 70 to Interstate 85 North.
The driver then exited onto East Club Boulevard and continued to Dearborn Drive, Old Oxford Road, Craven Street, and finally stopped in the 600 block of Martin Street when the driver jumped out of the car and ran.
Deputies chased Powell for a short distance and captured him. Powell resisted arrest and was eventually placed into custody after more deputies and a Highway Patrol trooper arrived to assist Buchanan.
Deputies Buchanan and M.R. Ruffin suffered minor injuries while trying to arrest Powell. They were later treated at Durham Regional Hospital and released. Powell was not hurt.
Powell, whose driver's license is permanently suspended, is charged with driving while his license was revoked, speeding, felony flight to elude arrest, resisting a public officer, possession of marijuana and reckless driving.
He is being held in the Durham County Jail under a $75,500 bond. Powell is also being held on an outstanding arrest order in Duplin County for allegedly driving while his license was revoked.
Copyright 2012 - The Herald-Sun, Durham, N.C.
