High-Speed I-85 Chase Ends in Crash on Innes Street in Rowan County

A high-speed pursuit that began in Cabarrus County ended in a crash Thursday after a white Dodge Challenger exited Interstate 85 in Rowan County, authorities said.

The chase was called into the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office when North Carolina Highway Patrol was pursuing the vehicle past the 65-mile marker on I-85 northbound. A Rowan County deputy reported speeds reaching up to 150 mph.

Deputies staged stop sticks at exits 79 and 81 as the pursuit moved north. Witnesses described the Challenger weaving in and out of traffic with no lights on, creating a serious hazard for other drivers.

Highway Patrol lost sight of the vehicle near the Peach Orchard Road exit. A Rowan County deputy spotted the Challenger shortly afterward and resumed the pursuit one exit later.

The vehicle exited I-85 at Exit 76 onto Innes Street. Due to the high rate of speed, the driver failed to make the turn, slid across Innes Street, and crashed into a wooded area.

The Rowan County Rescue Squad and Salisbury Fire Department extricated the driver and turned him over to Rowan County EMS and law enforcement. The driver was transported by EMS. No additional injuries were reported.

Following the crash, Highway Patrol was observed investigating the incident. The wreck forced the westbound lanes of Innes Street to close for approximately 30 minutes.