Atlanta Carjacking Suspects Arrested After Pursuit, Crash In Lincoln County

NEWTON, NC — Authorities arrested two Atlanta, Georgia carjacking suspects Sunday morning after a chase involving the North Carolina State Highway Patrol ended in a crash.

The chase involving Kenton Johnson of Fayetteville, and his passenger, Haleem Gilliland of Charlotte, started around 11:40am when troopers spotted them going nearly 20 miles over the speed limit on US 321 in Lincoln County.

Trooper J.L. Craig says the license plate on the Infiniti QX60 came up as fictitious and was not registered to the vehicle. It was later learned that the vehicle was stolen at gunpoint from a Lyft driver in Atlanta.

The chase ended when troopers say the suspects exited onto US 321 Business (Gastonia Highway) and hit a 2002 Chevrolet Silverado. The suspects reportedly sideswiped the truck, ran off the right side of the road, overcorrected, and crossed into oncoming traffic before traveling off of the left side of the road and hitting a culvert.

Troopers say both suspects tried to flee on foot but were quickly apprehended. Officials say they also seized a firearm from the vehicle believed to be linked to the Atlanta carjacking.

No one was injured in the collision.

Johnson, 23, is charged with speeding 83 mph in a 65 mph zone, seatbelt violation, fictitious registration plate, reckless driving, left of center, improper passing, speeding 120 mph in a 65 mph zone, resisting arrest, no operator’s license, felony fleeing to elude, possession of a stolen motor vehicle, and possession of firearm by felon.

Gilliland, 19, is charged with a seatbelt violation, hit & run as a passenger, resisting arrest, possession of a stolen motor vehicle, and possession firearm by felon.

NC authorities say they are also working with the Atlanta Police Department in relation to this case.