High speed chase ends in car crash, arrest

Published 10:32 am Friday, July 14, 2017

SALISBURY — A Davidson County man led Davidson and Rowan County deputies on a chase Thursday that at times reached speeds up to 150 mph before it ended in a wreck off Interstate 85 South.

According to reports, Rowan County deputies were told that Kent Joseph Long, 36, had an outstanding warrant for possession of a firearm by a felon and that he was expected to pass through Rowan County on I-85.

Long was already involved in a chase with the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office when he passed Exit 81 on I-85 South, where Rowan County deputies joined the chase. Long was driving a gray 2014 Honda Accord and was traveling roughly 140 mph.

Traffic was thickening at 2:30 p.m. when the chase reached Exit 70. According to deputies, Long was weaving in and out of traffic, crossing multiple lanes, and cutting off cars, he nearly caused multiple wrecks.

At Exit 68, Long made a sharp right turn and crashed into a slower moving vehicle. Long came to a stop.

Deputies approached his car and noted that the airbags had deployed. Long tried to take off again, pressing the gas pedal to the floor, but the car did not move, deputies reported.

As deputies tried to get Long out of the vehicle, he could be heard saying, “Just kill me” and “Just … shoot me,” according to reports.

A K-9 unit was brought to the scene and Long was convinced to get out of the car, raising his hands.

He was charged in Rowan County with careless and reckless driving; speeding 130 mph in a 70-mph zone; resisting and obstructing a public officer; and felony fleeing to elude arrest.

He was placed in the custody of the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office and was taken to a local hospital to be treated for injuries.

No details were available about the driver of the car Long hit.