On 07/07/2021 at 08:09pm Rutherford County Sheriff’s Deputies were notified that Polk County Deputies were pursuing a black Dodge Charger with green racing stripes on Highway 74 toward Rutherford County.
Polk County deputies lost sight of the suspect vehicle.
Rutherford County Deputies were able to quickly respond to the area and located the suspect vehicle on the on ramp at exit 178.
As the Deputy approached the vehicle it sped toward the patrol vehicle. The Deputy was able to pull out of the way of a head on collision then turned around getting behind the vehicle activating his light and siren.
The suspect led the Deputy across US Highway 221s back onto Highway 74, where he exited the highway on exit 181 onto College Ave.
Officers with Forest City Police Department joined the pursuit.
The vehicle quickly made a U-turn in the median and exited College Avenue getting back onto Highway 74 traveling back toward Polk County.
The vehicle was smoking heavily and seemed to be having engine issues. The suspect traveled approximately one mile and stopped in the roadway just before US Highway 221S. The suspect exited the vehicle and fled into the woods.
Deputies and Forest City officers chased the suspect into the woods but lost sight of the suspect. At this time deputies were notified by another agency that this suspect may be armed and dangerous.
Officers with Rutherfordton Police Department, Spindale Police department, Forest City Police Department and North Carolina Highway Patrol were able to quickly set up a perimeterin the area. Rutherford County Emergency Management deployed their drone for an aerial search. The Rutherford County Sheriff’s K9 team responded and started tracking the suspect.
While the K9 team was tracking Troopers with North Carolina Highway Patrol spotted the suspect in the area of Oakland Road near the overpass of Highway 74.
The suspect who was identified as Ivory Levonda Chappell Jr. of Troy NC,was taken into custody without further incident.
Ivory Levzonda Chappell was charged with Felony Flee to Elude Arrest, Reckless Driving to Endanger, Speeding, Resist Public Officer, and Open Container. Mr. Chappell was served with outstanding warrants for Felony Flee to Elude, resisting Public Officer, Speeding, Solicit Prostitution, and Reckless Driving to Endanger out of Alamance County.
Mr. Chappell is being held at the Rutherford County Detention Center under an $85,000 secured bond.
The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank all the agencies and officers that assisted in apprehending this dangerous suspect.
