Blotter: Man on bicycle eludes police cruiser but gets caught when chase turns into foot race

Marica Peck

By Jessie Burchette

jburchette@salisburypost.com

A Salisbury man matched his bicycle against a police cruiser early Tuesday morning and was out front for a little while.

Marcia Tyrone Peck, 38, ended up in the Rowan County Detention Center, but not before leading police on a chase around 2:30 a.m. Tuesday.

Officer C.D. Schenk reported he was driving on East Innes Street when he saw a man riding a bicycle he thought might be Peck, who had several outstanding warrants.

Schenk turned his patrol car and verified that it was Peck. He then pulled into a parking lot at 500 East Innes St. in order to stop Peck.

But Peck made a U-turn on the bicycle and started heading south toward Innes Street.

Schenk then turned on his blue lights, and yelled out the window for Peck to stop.

Instead of stopping, Peck picked up speed and headed north on North Shaver Street.

Schenk advised police communications that he was in pursuit of a biker headed toward Council Street.

By going onto the sidewalk, Peck out-maneuvered the officer who speeded up to catch him. Seconds later as Schenk attempted to turn left onto Council Street, Peck turned in front of the police cruiser.

Schenk reported he was unable to stop. The patrol car hit the bike and Peck fell to the ground.

Then he got up and started running through the yard of a house.

Schenk didn't have time to grab a flashlight, but pulled his weapon which had a flashlight on it.

As they approached a wooded area, the officer was able to get close enough to strike Peck.

Schenk reported the flashlight hit Peck on the back of the head, causing a small cut.

Peck was treated at the scene by Rowan County Emergency Services and later taken to the hospital for treatment that included two staples in the back of his head.

Peck was placed in Rowan County Detention Center on a charge of resist, delay and obstruct a public officer, public disturbance and loitering. He also faces four counts of failure to appear on charges including loitering, public disturbance and second-degree trespassing.

He is being held under $3,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in Rowan County District Court Oct. 21.