Police identify woman killed in northwest Charlotte; suspect in custody following chase

CHARLOTTE — A man is behind bars in South Carolina after police said he shot and killed a woman in northwest Charlotte and then led officers on a chase across the state line.

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At about 1:45 p.m. on Monday, police found 47-year-old Paula Henson shot on Long Grass Court. She was taken to the hospital but did not survive.

A short time later, CMPD found the suspect, 49-year-old Ernest Ali Santiago, and the car he was in and tried to conduct a traffic stop. Santiago didn’t stop for police, though, and a chase began, which involved a police helicopter, K-9 and several units.

The pursuit crossed the state line into York County, where deputies took the lead in the chase.

Santiago was eventually captured after he ran from his vehicle at about 2:20 p.m. Police said they were not looking for any other suspects.

Santiago, who is in custody in York County, faces a charge of first-degree murder in Henson’s slaying and is awaiting extradition back to Mecklenburg County, CMPD said.

No further information has been released.

Return to this story for updates.

(Watch the video below: CMPD investigates homicide in southwest Charlotte)

CMPD investigates homicide in southwest Charlotte

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