Sergeant Carl Umphlett in an attempt to stop a vehicle for Failure to Display Tag, ended up in a six mile chase through Lake Lure's Memorial Highway and Highway 9 into Polk County.
Sergeant Umphlett turned on his lights and siren just around the Beach area in Lake Lure. The black Ford F150 accelerated quickly in attempts to elude Umphlett through Lake Lure. Motorists driving on the highway were quick to move to the right to allow Umphlett continued access in attempts to get the truck to stop. The chase continued around the many curves, across the Tryon Bay Bridge and onto Hwy 9.
Once on Hwy 9, speeds increased as the chase entered Sunnyview. The truck driver attempted to turn onto a dirt road that connected Hwy 9 with Coopers Gap Road. The drivers side rear wheel came off the truck dropping the axle. The driver lost control flipping the truck on it's side. The driver then escaped from the vehicle and the chase continued on foot in the area.
Lake Lure Officers continued on foot in attempts to locate the driver who was found by Polk County Sheriff's Department at a residence in the area.
Matthew William Rice, DOB 3/20/1991 was arrested and taken into custody and charged with Felony Fleeing to Elude Arrest. Mr Rice was also charged with numerous other charges. The Ford F150 was seized on North Carolina's "Run and your Done" law. Mr. Rice remains in the Rutherford County Detention Center.
