Fleeing Suspect Strikes Patrol Car During Chase says Sheriff’s Office

ASHEBORO N.C. – A suspect is in the Randolph County Jail today awaiting court on several warrants, drug, and traffic charges related to a vehicle pursuit last week.

According to a press release from the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, on May 11th, 2023, deputies attempted to pull over a vehicle on Pisgah Covered Bridge Rd., in Asheboro. The driver refused to stop and instead accelerated away, beginning a vehicle pursuit with police.

During that pursuit, a deputy was successful in getting the vehicle to stop using a “forced vehicle maneuver” designed to break the vehicle’s traction, on their second attempt. According to the Sheriff’s Office, “as the deputy was exiting the vehicle, the motorist accelerated towards him striking the patrol car, and again fleeing apprehension.”

On Abner Road additional deputies deployed a “tire deflation device” was deployed on High Pine Church Road, successfully puncturing numerous tires on the suspects’ vehicle, which while not stopping the vehicle, led to greatly reduced speeds and the driver having trouble controlling the vehicle.

A third and final “forced vehicle maneuver”, immobilized the suspect’s car and the driver, who was identified as Thomas Dwayne Underwood by the Sheriff’s Office, was taken into custody.

The Sheriff’s Office says deputies found methamphetamine and paraphernalia in the vehicle and Randolph County 911 advised that Underwood had six unserved warrants and orders for his arrest from various counties to include Davidson, Davie and Harnett.

Underwood was transported to the Randolph County Detention Center where he was taken before the magistrate and served with the outstanding warrants and orders for arrest. The magistrate also found probable cause for the charges of multiple felony, misdemeanor, and traffic violations. Underwood received a $119,500 total secured bond along with EHA conditions for release.

Underwood had a first appearance on May 12th, 2023, in Randolph County District Court, and remains confined at the Randolph County Jail.