North Carolina Man Steals Tractor, Tries to “Mow Down Pedestrians,” and Leads Police on Slow-Motion Chase

A North Carolina man led police on a 20mph chase after stealing a John Deere tractor as he reportedly tried to mow down pedestrians and run into oncoming visitors. The knife-wielding suspect managed to evade seize for over an hour, regardless of police utilizing cease sticks.

“Our officers tried to make use of cease sticks however as a result of it is a tractor, the cease sticks weren’t efficient on the again tires,” stated Boone Police Chief Andy Le Beau. “When he bought exterior of city into an space that did not have any houses or companies, we did shoot one of many tractor tires in an effort to get the car stopped.” Here is how they lastly stopped the motive force.

1

Erratic Driving

Boone Police Division bought a cellphone name warning there was a person driving a John Deere tractor in a car parking zone, behaving erratically and intentionally focusing on pedestrians. “What a day… So, a lot of you’ve gotten heard, or have seen the movies, that we bought in a pursuit with a tractor,” the City of Boone Police Division posted on Fb.

“The stolen tractor was being operated by an individual who we’re very acquainted with, Mr. Ronnie Hicks. We acquired a name in regards to the tractor being pushed erratically in a car parking zone attempting to hit pedestrians and did the truth is hit a car off 421 on the east aspect of city. He truly hit a number of autos, a dumpster and a church. We’re nonetheless attempting to kind all of it out.” Maintain studying to be taught extra and see the footage.

2

Robust Tractor

Apparently, the tractor tires had been too powerful for tire deflation units. “We did try to make use of cease sticks, however they weren’t terribly efficient on the tractor,” the assertion continues. “Our officers had been involved for the welfare of our residents as Mr. Hicks was deliberately driving the tractor towards on-coming visitors. Mr. Hicks additionally deliberately rammed a Boone Police car. As soon as he turned onto Previous 421, we had been subsequent involved about Parkway Elementary and had been decided to not let him get that far.”

3

Taking pictures Tires

“When the tractor was in an remoted space, one in all our officers shot the tires of the tractor (with my authorization) because the spike strips had been ineffective,” the assertion continues. “The Tractor then turned onto Elk Creek Rd. After a couple of miles of driving with no entrance tire Mr. Hicks turned onto a non-public drive and ran out of highway.”

Story continues

4

Wielding a Knife

The police lastly took Hicks into custody after he jumped out of the tractor. “Mr. Hicks then jumped off the tractor and was wielding a knife,” the police assertion continues. “A Boone officer utilized a Taser, and the suspect was taken into custody with out damage to the suspect or the officers. Fortuitously no accidents occurred all through this incident. I want to thank our officers for placing themselves in hurt’s option to shield our group. We had been assisted by the Watauga County Sheriff’s Workplace and the North Carolina State Freeway Patrol.”

5

Arrested and Charged

Hicks was positioned beneath a $50,000 secured bond and is due in Watauga District Court docket on March 10, 2023. He has been charged with: felonious fleeing to elude arrest, felonious assault with a lethal weapon on a authorities official, misdemeanor driving whereas impaired,  misdemeanor resisting a public officer, misdemeanor reckless driving, and infraction driving left of heart.