Kannapolis chase ends in crash outside Uptown, police say

A multi-county chase involving a box truck came to an end just outside of Uptown Friday morning, according to the Kannapolis Police Department.

At approximately 2:30 a.m., police received reports that suspects were loading a rental truck with stolen appliances from a new housing development near Concord Lake Road.

After responding to the scene, the suspects involved spotted officers and jumped into the truck, causing a chase to ensue.

Eventually, stopsticks were deployed, and the two front tires of the truck were blown out.

The chase then came to an end when the truck crashed in front of Woodie’s Auto Service and Repair, closer to 3 a.m.

Police said 44-year-old Jamie Shawn McCorkle and 45-year-old Neil Edward Branch were taken into custody.

McCorkle has been charged with felony flee to elude, felony breaking and entering, felony larceny after breaking and entering, felony larceny of motor vehicle, resisting a public officer, and several other traffic offenses.

Branch has been charged with felony breaking and entering, felony larceny after breaking and entering, and felony larceny of a motor vehicle.

Both suspects were taken to the Cabarrus County jail.

Police said the suspects in this case may have been involved in a number of other new home construction thefts.

Beauford Robinson said he was watching Channel 9 Friday morning as police responded to the crash.

I didn’t know that. What had happened started here in Kannapolis. You know, until I seen it on Channel 9,” Robinson said. “Things just crazy. You know, I mean, stuff happening everywhere.”

Robinson also said he couldn’t believe the chase went on for at least 30 miles.

“Yeah, it was a long chase. I mean, you know, to run the wheels of that truck, you know,” Robinson explained.

He continued with a message for the community.

“Keep your eyes peeled, you know, stay alert. I would advise everybody to you know, to keep the head on the shoulder and, and pay attention, Robinson said.

VIDEO: Officials identify driver hit, killed by chase suspect in Alexander County

Officials identify driver hit, killed by chase suspect in Alexander County

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