By Shelley Smith
ssmith@salisburypost.com
The man who led deputies on a high-speed chase across northern and eastern Rowan County last night told authorities the reason he fled from officers at speeds up to 120 mph was because as he was watching television, Dr. Phil told him in a high-pitched voice that America was under an alien invasion. He told officers he drove off to save his girlfriend, authorities reported today.
Richard Donald Blanscet, 21, of 170 Sailboat Drive, was arrested after the chase, and admitted to smoking a synthetic marijuana – Mr. Nice Guy Herbal Smoke Blend – before the chase ensued. He was charged with driving while impaired, felony speeding to elude arrest and resisting a public officer. He was given a $2,500 secured bond.
Authorities said Deputy Josh McHone was dispatched to Blanscet’s home around 7:45 last night to assist fire and EMS with a combative patient who had consumed an unknown substance. The report did not indicate how the initial call came in.
While McHone was on his way, communications notified him that Blanscet had left the home in a burgundy Jaguar, and nearly collided with EMS who were on their way to the home, the report said.
McHone turned onto Scout Road and saw a Liberty Fire Department truck parked at St. Matthews Church, and spoke to Fire Chief Darrin Trexler, who said Blanscet had pulled into the cemetery when he saw the blue lights from McHone’s car.
McHone followed Blanscet through the church parking lot, and then Blanscet drove through a ditch and took a left on Bringle Ferry Road. Blanscet led McHone on a high-speed chase down Bringle Ferry reaching speeds around 100 mph, and sometimes exceeding 120 mph.
Blanscet attempted to drive through a curve near Poole Road at 80 mph, but didn’t make it, and ran through a field, but he was able to return to the road and pick up speed once again, the report said.
Authorities said Blanscet slowed to 10 mph for a short distance and then stopped and put his car in reverse. McHone also put his car in reverse to avoid a collision, and once at a safe distance, got out of the car and yelled at Blanscet. The report said Blanscet yelled back at McHone, but McHone could not understand what he was saying, and then Blanscet drove off again.
The pursuit continued down Bringle Ferry Road to Ridgecrest Street. Blanscet turned into the parking lot of a store and turned back onto Bringle Ferry, traveling for about a mile before crashing at the intersection of Earnhardt Road.
Blanscet was given standard field sobriety tests, then taken into custody. A blood sample was also taken from Blanscet at Rowan Regional Medical Center.
Blanscet told authorities he didn’t stop for the blue lights because “he realized the invasion was real and the cops were on it,” the report said. He told authorities that he saw a UFO when he left his home, that was circling above him, and needed to save his girlfriend, the report said.
The sheriff’s office is still checking on the “Mr. Nice Guy” substance Blanscet allegedly smoked before last night’s events. A search of Blanscet’s home found the synthetic marijuana, and also found smoking pipes.