Traffic Pursuit Leads to Multiple Charges
Statesville, NC – September 18, 2024: On Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at approximately 8:30 p.m., a Statesville Police Department officer observed a traffic violation involving a 2003 black Chrysler PT Cruiser as it made a left turn from Wilson Lee Boulevard west onto US 70 (Garner Bagnal Boulevard). The vehicle accelerated noticeably above the posted speed limit while traveling west on US 70. The officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but the driver fled, leading to a pursuit.
The suspect, later identified as Steven Tyler Hass, age 26, of Statesville, exited east onto I-40 at the 148-mile marker, with the pursuit continuing eastbound at speeds reaching approximately 100 miles per hour. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol deployed stop sticks in the vicinity of the 166-mile marker, which the fleeing vehicle struck. Despite the impact, the suspect continued east on I-40 and exited onto US 64 at the 168-mile marker.
The effects of the stop sticks soon became apparent, as the vehicle began swerving across lanes on US 64. The driver continued for approximately 1.25 miles before stopping near the intersection of US 64 and Madison Road in Mocksville. The Statesville Police Department, with the assistance of the State Highway Patrol and the Davie County Sheriff’s Office, apprehended Steven Hass without further incident.
Steven Tyler Hass has been charged with the following offenses:
- Driving While Impaired
- Felony Flee to Elude Arrest
- No Operator’s License
- Failure to Stop for Blue Light and Siren
- Reckless Driving
- Directional Signals Violation
- Left of Center
- Improper Passing on the Right
- Failure to Yield at Stop Sign/Traffic Signal
- Driving Without Two Headlamps
Hass was issued a $25,000 secured bond and is currently in custody at the Iredell County Detention Center.
The Statesville Police Department extends its gratitude to both the North Carolina State Highway Patrol and the Davie County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in the pursuit and safe apprehension of the suspect.
