ROWAN COUNTY, N.C. – Deputies with the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office say they apprehended an attempted murder suspect from New Jersey after a 100-mile vehicle pursuit.
According to a news release, on March 14, 2024, Rowan County Sheriff’s deputies attempted to stop a red Hyundai Tucson which resulted in a vehicle pursuit on I-85 beginning on exit 76. The release states that two attempts of stock sticks were unsuccessful initially with a third attempt near exit 147 successfully struck the front tire of the suspect vehicle.
Deputies say that the vehicle continued to flee with two flat tires and eventually slowed down to a stop near exit 183 in Durham County. The pursuit lasted approximately 100 miles, as said in the release.
The driver of the vehicle was taken into custody and nine handguns, one rifle and two bags of methamphetamine were found in the vehicle, according to the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office. The Office also said that deputies found crack cocaine and marijuana on the driver.
Evidence found in suspect vehicle
The driver was charged with felony flee to elude, possession of methamphetamine, possession of cocaine, misdemeanor possession of marijuana, possession of marijuana paraphernalia, carrying a concealed gun, maintaining a vehicle/dwelling place for controlled substance and resisting a public officer.
Deputies say they later learned the suspects name is Damian Bell and was wanted in New Jersey for two counts of attempted murder and they stated that Bell would be extradited to New Jersey.
Damian Bell
