Man arrested after accident while fleeing from police in Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, NC — A man is in custody after fleeing from officers and crashing his car into a pole in Charlotte Sunday morning, according to the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office.

Officers attempted to stop the driver during a speed check for driving 90 mph on I-85 near Mallard Creek and Church Road, the sheriff said.

The man, identified as Albert Gregory Young, appeared to comply with the request by slowing down.

“But suddenly he sped off and drove recklessly through traffic,” the sheriff's office said.

Because the driver was reckless, he turned off his hazard lights for safety reasons and stopped the pursuit, the deputy said.

Young left the roadway at WT Harris Blvd, where he collided with another car and then hit a pole. He then exited the car and ran into the woods next to I-85, officials said.

“Incidents like this remind us of the critical role our officers play in ensuring safety on our roadways,” said Sheriff McFadden.

After a brief search, they found Young.

Young and his two passengers as well as the driver of the other car were injured. All those involved were taken to a hospital by paramedics.

Young was charged with fleeing and evading arrest, resisting an officer and speeding.

“While we are relieved that no one lost their lives, Mr. Young's reckless conduct could have resulted in a far more tragic outcome. Our commitment to public safety remains unchanged and we will continue to conduct enforcement actions to keep our community safe,” McFadden said.

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