Asheville Witness Describes High-Speed Police Chase

Asheville Witness Describes High-Speed Police Chase

A viewer captured the final moments of a police chase of wanted man Charles Judy on I-240 Eastbound in Asheville Saturday morning, May 18, after Judy crashed the stolen vehicle he was driving on I-240 going the wrong way and was subsequently arrested by Black Mountain police, with support from State Highway Patrol, Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office and Asheville Police Department. (Photo credit: Marjorie Freeman)

Details of the Chase

A wanted suspect led police on a chase Saturday morning, starting in Black Mountain and ending in east Asheville. The suspect, Charles Theodore Judy, 51, was driving a stolen vehicle and refused to stop when Black Mountain Police Department officers attempted to pull him over. Judy then led police on a chase on NC-9 to US-74A, through Gerton and Fairview, before getting onto I-240 Eastbound driving the wrong way.

Witness Account

John Ballard, who was driving with his 5-year-old and 8-year-old children, described the intense moments leading to the crash. As he saw a black sedan speeding by in the wrong direction on the highway, Ballard and other drivers managed to dodge the oncoming vehicle. Fortunately, there were no injuries in the incident.

Arrest and Charges

After crashing and attempting to carjack another driver, Charles Judy was apprehended by officers and Buncombe County Sheriff’s deputies. Judy, who was wanted for robbery with a dangerous weapon in Winston-Salem, was also charged with felony fleeing to elude arrest, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of a stolen vehicle. He was held at the Buncombe County Detention Center under a $70,000 bond.

Conclusion

The quick response and efficient action by law enforcement resulted in the successful arrest of the suspect, bringing a dangerous chase to an end. Despite the alarming situation, no one was harmed during the incident on I-240 Eastbound in Asheville.