Captain Tommy Parker of the Scotland Neck Police Department said in a statement the chase began around 8 p.m. as Officer C. Little was responding to assist in a traffic stop.

The driver of the vehicle started driving more than 80 miles per hour and what Parker described as a high-speed chase ensued.
Officer J. Lanier, Parker and Sergeant J. Vlasak joined in the pursuit which started on Highway 125 and ended in Martin County at the intersection of Iron Mine and Smith roads.
Parker said in the initial statement the alleged suspect reportedly threw several items from the vehicle and tried to cause the officer to wreck.
Both vehicles went off the road and the chase continued before the suspect vehicle struck a ditch. The suspect left the vehicle and fled.
Little’s patrol car caught fire but he escaped safely and continued pursuing the suspect. Little and Lanier caught the suspect and, after a struggle, arrested him.
Little and the suspect were taken to Martin General Hospital in Williamston by EMS.
Drugs were located at the scene.
Martin County deputies and the state Highway Patrol assisted. Oak City Fire and Rescue and the Scotland Neck Fire Department were also at the scene.
Parker said an update is expected to be released later this morning.