A Clinton man sought by county law enforcement for nearly two weeks in connection with a vehicle theft, chase and crash in Garland is now in custody.
Sampson County Sheriff’s deputies arrested 20-year-old Kemauri Kye Oates Wednesday, July 8, around 3 p.m., after executing a search warrant at a residence on H.B. Lewis Road near Gordon Road.
According to Capt. Marcus Smith, an investigation led detectives to Oates, who they believe was involved in the June 26 strong-arm robbery and theft of a vehicle from the 100 block of South Ingold Ave. in Garland.
Oates was taken into custody without incident.
While executing the search warrant, Smith said investigators also recovered a stolen vehicle from Onslow County that authorities believe was used during the June 26 incident.
Oates was arrested on three outstanding warrants — two obtained by the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office and one by the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. He is charged with felony common law robbery, felony larceny of a motor vehicle, felony larceny of a firearm, felony possession of a stolen motor vehicle, felony flee to elude arrest with a motor vehicle, misdemeanor resisting a public officer, misdemeanor driving while license revoked and misdemeanor reckless driving. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol also charged Oates with several traffic-related offenses stemming from the incident.
He was jailed under a $75,000 bond and was still behind bars Friday.
The investigation began June 26 when deputies responded to a reported vehicle theft at 108 S. Ingold Ave. in Garland. According to officers, a neighboring witness immediately called 911 after the vehicle was taken.
Responding deputies quickly located the stolen vehicle traveling north on U.S. Highway 701 at what Smith said was a high rate of speed. When deputies attempted to make a traffic stop, the driver fled, leading law enforcement on a chase before the driver lost control of the vehicle and collided with another vehicle.
The driver of the second vehicle was not injured and was evaluated at the scene by emergency medical personnel.
Following the crash, the suspect fled on foot, prompting an extensive search involving deputies and assisting law enforcement agencies. Authorities later suspended the search because of deteriorating weather conditions.
In the days following the incident, Smith said Oates was believed to be armed and dangerous and urged the public not to approach him if located.
The investigation remains active. Detectives said they have identified at least two additional suspects believed to have been involved in the June 26 incident, and efforts to locate and apprehend them are ongoing.
Anyone with information regarding the case or the identities or whereabouts of the remaining suspects is asked to contact the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division at (910) 592-4141.