Lt. Jason Cook with the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office charged 26-year-old Mario Alberto Gonzalez of Brevard, NC with felonious Flee/Elude Arrest with Motor Vehicle, felonious Possession of a Stolen Firearm, felonious Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, felonious Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle, Driving While License Revoked, Speeding and Failing to Maintain Lane Control. Gonzalez was issued a $125,000 secured bond. Additional charges are pending in Burke County where the accident and theft occurred.
On July 23rd, Deputies responded to I-40 near the McDowell and Burke county line for a report of a stolen truck. The victim witnessed Gonzalez crash his vehicle and stopped to help. While the victim was searching for additional persons involved, Gonzalez stole his truck and fled the scene.
A short time later, Officers with the Marion Police Department spotted the stolen truck and a vehicle pursuit ensued. Gonzalez led Officers and Deputies on a high-speed chase into Buncombe County where Officers with the Black Mountain Police Department deployed stop-sticks ending the pursuit. Gonzalez was wanted on outstanding felony warrants in Buncombe County and Pickens, SC.
