China Grove man charged following multicounty vehicle chase

Published 12:37 pm Monday, July 8, 2019

CHINA GROVE — A China Grove man remains in the Rowan County jail after a July 4 vehicle chase that led officers through multiple counties.

The initial call to authorities was to report a suspicious person, leading officers to attempt a vehicle stop.

Major Sentell Sampson, 36, of the 500 block of Westside Circle, was charged with felony possession of a stolen vehicle and felony fleeing to elude arrest.

A chase ensued when Sampson did not stop about 10:30 p.m. Thursday, according to authorities. A China Grove police officer was in pursuit when a Rowan County Sheriff’s Office deputy followed behind on U.S. 29 north of China Grove. The chase turned onto a number of side roads and then onto Business U.S. 29 near East Ryder Avenue.

Sampson’s vehicle continued to the Speedway gas station at North Cannon Boulevard in Kannapolis, authorities said. He drove behind the gas station and onto Chapel Stree,t then Walnut Street, Rose Avenue and back onto U.S. 29. The chase moved into Cabarrus County, crossed under the First Street bridge and onto South Harding Street, where Sampson’s vehicle crashed into another vehicle sitting at a stoplight.

According to the report, Sampson got out of his vehicle and tried to run on U.S. 29. He pulled on the door handle of a nearby vehicle, trying to get inside while at the stoplight. The police officer drew his gun, Sampson again ran but eventually stopped.

A Kannapolis police officer also assisted with the chase.

The chase lasted for about 9 miles, the report said.