Suspect Wanted In Cleveland County After Chase, Gunfight With Deputies

LINCOLNTON, N.C. – A suspect is on the run after leading a chase and exchanging gunfire with deputies in a stolen vehicle, according to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.

This afternoon, deputies were conducting a routing check at the intersection of NC Highways 18 and 10 when they located a stolen vehicle.

When officers approached, the driver fled south on Highway 18 into Cleveland County, the sheriff’s office said.

In the ensuing chase, the suspect fired a weapon at the deputies from the driver’s side window, officials said. The pursuing deputies returned fire while the stolen vehicle continued into Cleveland County.

Nobody was injured in the exchange of gunfire.

Officials said the vehicle crashed on Dixon Boulevard and Highway 226 in Cleveland County and the driver fled from the scene into a wooded area.

A woman is in custody, according to officials.

The suspect was later identified as 29-year-old Jeremy Aaron Huffman. He was last seen wearing an orange shirt and armed with a handgun.

An active search is underway. He is considered armed and dangerous.