CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte-Mecklenburg police took a suspect into custody in north Charlotte Wednesday morning after they said he stole a pickup truck at gunpoint and officers on a chase.
[PHOTOS: Police chase ends north of uptown Charlotte]
CMPD was chasing the white pickup truck around 10:15 a.m. on North Tryon Street as it headed inbound towards uptown.
At one point, the truck side-swiped another car near West 29th Street before crashing into a tree near West 28th Street. Police said the Michael Smith Jr. jumped out and tried to run but was quickly caught.
A woman who said she’s Smith's mother shouted at neighbors who claimed police brutality was involved.
"They did not beat him up,” the woman said. “He wrecked the car and the airbag bust his mouth."
Officers confirmed that is what happened.
From Chopper 9, a heavy police presence could be seen surrounding the truck and a man in red pants was spotted being taken into custody.
Police said the truck was stolen at gunpoint on Beatties Ford Road around 9:15 a.m.
A short time later an officer in an unmarked car spotted the truck on Statesville Road and tried to pull it over, but the Smith would not stop, which lead to the chase.
“I was in there working and just heard a loud bang, and the owner, he saw the guy jump out of the truck and take off down the street,” Ryan Grady, who works nearby, said.
Officers found a gun nearby but did not confirm if that was used in the carjacking.
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