Suspect Accused Of Assaulting An Officer Injures 5 During Chase

CHARLOTTE, NC — A man accused of assaulting a Fayetteville police officer with a deadly weapon now faces new charges in Charlotte after an accident he caused on Bookshire Freeway Wednesday evening that left five people injured, including a young child who is now fighting for their life, police said.

According to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, the department received notification Tuesday that suspect Marcus Alonzo Harris, 27, was wanted for a felonious assault of an officer in Fayetteville. Harris was reportedly driving a white Toyota Camry.

Shortly before 10 p.m. Wednesday, CMPD officers spotted Harris in the Camry in an inbound lane of the Brookshire Freeway.

"When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver fled, and a vehicle pursuit ensued," CMPD said.

Shortly after the pursuit began — CMPD said in about a minute — the Camry driven by Harris "caused a collision" involving a Mitsubishi Gallant and a Chevrolet Cruz, CMPD said. The Camry also caught fire, police said.

Three passengers in the Mitsubishi were seriously injured in the crash and a fourth passenger, identified as a young child, received life-threatening injuries. All were transported to an area hospital for treatment of their injuries and the child remained in critical condition, police said Thursday morning.

Harris also received serious injuries, and was transported to a hospital for treatment.

The driver of the Chevrolet sustained minor injuries in the incident.

"The preliminary investigation indicates Harris was driving the Camry recklessly and at a high rate of speed on Brookshire Freeway after refusing to stop for officers," CMPD said. " Harris ran a red light while attempting to turn onto I-85 South, and struck the Mitsubishi, which was travelling east on Brookshire Freeway. This collision pushed both vehicles into the path of the Cruz, causing a secondary collision. Speed and reckless driving on the part of Harris are considered to be the contributing factors to this collision."

CMPD said he will be served with warrants upon his release from the hospital and will also face additional charges for the crimes he committed which led to this crash.

"As is standard procedure for all vehicle pursuits, an internal investigation will be conducted to ensure the officers’ actions were consistent with the CMPD’s policies and procedures," CMPD added.

The investigation remains active and ongoing, and CMPD said that anyone with information about this case is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.