GARLAND — Local enforcement officers are searching for a Clinton man wanted on multiple felony charges after deputies say he stole a vehicle Friday evening, led law enforcement on a chase and then fled on foot after crashing the vehicle.
When contacted, Marcus Smith, chief deputy with the Sampson Sheriff’s Office, confirmed the incident had occurred.
Investigators, he said, have identified the suspect as 20-year-old Kemauri Kye Oates. Authorities have obtained warrants charging Oates with multiple felony offenses.
Smith said investigators believe Oates should be considered armed, and he warned the public not to approach the suspect if he is spotted.
According to the chief deputy, officers responded to a reported car theft in the 100 block of South Ingold Avenue in Garland around 5:30 p.m. Friday. Neighboring witnesses saw what was transpiring and contacted 911.
Responding deputies located the vehicle traveling north on U.S. Highway 701 at what officials described as a high rate of speed. When deputies attempted to pull the vehicle over, the driver refused to stop and continued fleeing.
The pursuit ended when the suspect lost control of the stolen vehicle and collided with another vehicle, Smith noted.
When contacted about the incident, Smith said the driver of the second vehicle was not injured. Emergency medical personnel evaluated the individual at the scene, and the driver later signed a medical waiver and declined further treatment.
After the collision, the suspect abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot.
Deputies, assisted by multiple law enforcement agencies, searched the area for several hours but were unable to locate him.
Anyone with information regarding Oates’ whereabouts is asked to contact the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office at 910-592-4141. Anyone who sees Oates should contact law enforcement immediately rather than attempting to confront him.