The story of the arrests of Tony Lynn Jenkins and Phillip Kiah began last Monday when Jenkins, who was dressed as a woman, led a Weldon police officer on a chase after the officer spotted Jenkins leaving Scoco Park on a Mitsubishi he allegedly was test driving but never returned.

Captain James Avens said the car had fictitious tags and Officer L. Clanton stopped the vehicle.

Jenkins, left, and Kiah

Kiah got out of the passenger side but decided to get back in. Jenkins allegedly sped off but Kiah was let out at Day’s Crossroads and fled on foot. Clanton pursued the vehicle on a chase that went through Highway 903, Highway 125 and Interstate 95.

During the chase, Avens said Jenkins, using the voice of a man and woman, claimed to dispatchers he was being held at gunpoint.

On Interstate 95, state Highway Patrol troopers deployed a Stop Stick around the 150 exit. The car stuck a tree and caught fire.

Jenkins was pulled from the vehicle and taken to Nash General Hospital where three days later he escaped.

Between his escape from the hospital and Tuesday when he and Kiah were arrested, another vehicle was stolen.

Weldon, acting on tips, began an investigation which led to the stolen Honda being found at the Hilton Garden Inn in Roanoke Rapids.

Avens said a wig was found in the Honda and Jenkins had been dressed as a woman earlier in the day. “He’s a convincing woman when he’s dressed in drag.”

Jenkins was charged with multiple driving offenses including felony flee to elude arrest and careless and reckless driving. He was also served a warrant from Emporia.

Kiah was charged with resisting arrest.

Avens said the two were in Scoco Park to allegedly buy crack.