Rocky Mount police are searching for an 18-year-old man who was involved in a police chase in a stolen vehicle on Tuesday.
Markeelan Mikel Cherry of Wendell is wanted for possession of a stolen motor vehicle, fleeing to elude arrest with motor vehicle, failure to heed emergency lights and siren, failure to stop at a steady red light and resisting a public officer.
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Police said Edgecombe County Communications notified the Rocky Mount Police Department that a possible stolen Jeep was eastbound on US 64 on Tuesday.
A police sergeant caught up to the vehicle as it took Exit 484 eastbound. Despite the police activating the vehicle's siren and blue lights, the Jeep did not pull over, instead making a right turn onto McNair Road and accelerating at a high rate of speed in an attempt to flee.
The Jeep led police on a chase through McNair Road, Wilson Street and into the Spencer Woods neighborhood. When traveling back toward McNair Road, police said the Jeep reached speeds of 120 miles per hour. While continuing on McNair Road and crossing Howard Avenue Extension, the driver lost control of the Jeep and it crashed into a field.
Rocky Mount police said three people exited the Jeep and fled on foot.
Two teens were taken into custody. Cherry was transported by EMS to ECU Health Edgecombe where police said he fled instead of being treated.
A backpack worn by one of the juveniles contained a key programming device and several universal key fobs. Inside the vehicle, police found a loaded Glock 20 10mm handgun.
The 16-year-old and 17-year-old juveniles taken into custody are each charged with possession of a stolen motor vehicle, possession of a handgun by a minor and resisting a public officer. Their names were not released.
The vehicle - a gray 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT, was confirmed stolen through the Wake County Sheriff’s Office. It was seized and towed.
Anyone with information about Cherry's whereabout is asked to get in touch with law enforcement.