A man in Lenoir County, North Carolina, was arrested after allegedly leading multiple agencies on a pursuit while driving a stolen vehicle. After his arrest, authorities said they found multiple key-cloning devices inside the car.
According to the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred on Saturday, July 25. At around 2:30 a.m., a Be On the Lookout alert was issued involving a stolen blue Dodge Charger.
Deputies with the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office had attempted to conduct a traffic stop, to no avail. A pursuit began shortly after, but was later discontinued as deputies lost sight of the Charger.
Shortly after, LCSO deputies observed the vehicle traveling on U.S. Highway 258 South near Albrittons Road. A traffic stop was attempted, and again, the vehicle refused to stop. Another pursuit followed.
Second Pursuit Ends
Thanks to the help of the Kinston Police Department, the pursuit ended on South Queen Street. Officers had successfully deployed spike strips, which ended up disabling the vehicle.
The driver wouldn’t stop there. He is accused of exiting his vehicle and fleeing into a nearby wooded area.
An LCSO K-9 team responded to the scene and began tracking the suspect. Moments later, he was found and taken into custody without further incident.
Key-Cloning Devices Found
The man behind the wheel was identified as 21-year-old Julius Woodfork, of Jacksonville. As per the sheriff’s office, he sustained minor injuries during the incident, so he was treated at the scene before being transported to the Lenoir County Jail.
His legal situation got worse by the minute. After he was taken into custody, deputies recovered multiple automotive key-cloning devices from inside the stolen Charger.
Furthermore, it appeared that Woodfork had some on his possession after leaving the vehicle to flee on foot. Deputies said that more of these devices were found on the trail he took toward the aforementioned wooded area during the foot pursuit.
Multiple Charges, Multiple Counties
Julius Woodfork is facing multiple charges in connection with the pursuit and the seized items. These include felony flee to elude arrest, felony possession of stolen goods, possession of burglary tools, and two counts of injury to real property.
Additionally, the Jacksonville Police Department and the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office managed to obtain felony warrants against Woodfork. These are in connection with the stolen vehicle investigation.
The 21-year-old man was booked into the Lenoir County Jail. He is being held on a $100,000 secured bond.