HAYWOOD COUNTY, N.C  June 3 2020 Haywood County deputies are investigating after two law enforcement vehicles ended up in Lake Junaluska.

Deputies said a Lake Junaluska security officer responded to a domestic call at a boat ramp Tuesday morning. When the officer arrived, a woman involved with the situation jumped into the security officer’s vehicle and took off.

A pursuit followed, first up Highway 19 toward Waynesville, then back toward the lake and onto South Lakeshore Drive.

“According to the deputies that were on scene, yes, the driving was very erratic by the suspect, putting other people’s lives in jeopardy,” Chief Deputy Jeff Haynes said.

The quiet neighborhood road was shaken by sirens.

“It seemed like the number of sirens kept getting louder and louder,” said Jack Ewing, who witnessed part of the chase. “One actually hit the other. I heard the crash.”

Haynes said the deputy intentionally pushed the suspect into the water and away from an area frequented by pedestrians. His patrol car ended up in the water, too. The suspect was taken into custody after trying to run away on foot.

“Making sure that public safety was first and foremost was the reason for the termination of the pursuit,” Haynes said.

Lake residents expressed gratitude for the deputy’s quick action.

“I think the whole police force was here to help,” Sylvia Russell said.

Haynes was quick to credit the deputy.

“Without his quick thinking and looking at public safety as first and foremost, he did a great job,” Haynes said. “Heavily trafficked area with pedestrians and so forth that they were entering into. We certainly had to look out for the greater welfare of everybody.”

The Haywood County Sheriff’s Office and residents of Lake Junaluska said they’re glad no one was hurt in the incident.

WLOS

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