Full Notification

Release Date/Time: 03/01/2017
Date/ Time: 02/28/2017/ 1300
Location: Nash County
Victim: State of North Carolina

Summary:
On Tuesday 02/28/2017, A Nash County Sheriff’s Office Deputy attempted to make a traffic stop on a vehicle that was traveling south on I-95. The Deputy was making the stop for a moving violation, when the suspect vehicle accelerated to a high rate of speed and refused to stop for the blue lights and siren.

The Deputy initiated a vehicle pursuit which left I-95 at the 141 Mile Marker and continued onto highway 43 north through Red Oak and ended just south of the Journigan’s Food Store on Highway 43. The vehicle pursuit reached speeds of 120 mph, and the suspect’s vehicle came to rest in a field after it struck a large round hay bale and burst into flames. Both suspect ran into the woods and were quickly apprehended. No one was seriously injured in the pursuit, however one suspect had to be transported to Nash Hospital from injuries sustained during the impact with the hay bale. He was later released.
It was determined that the vehicle- a Nissan Rogue- was reported stolen from Jacksonville Florida.

Suspects:
Paul Jackson Wright B/M
Jacksonville Florida
Charges: Resist obstruct/Delay a public Officer
Bond: $1,500.00 secured

Paul Anthony Mason B/M (Driver of vehicle)
Jacksonville Florida
Charges: Felony Flee to Elude
Felony poss. of Stolen Motor Vehicle
Resist obstruct/Delay a public Officer
Bond: $45,000.00 secured

“Quote” from Captain Wells

"These two individuals put numerous lives in jeopardy running at the high rates of speeds they were traveling. I am so thankful that no one was injured in this pursuit. The only thing that was lost or damaged was a vehicle and a hay bale, both replaceable! I would also like to commend the Deputies that were involved in this pursuit for handling it with extreme due caution and safety for themselves and the motoring public."