ALBEMARLE — The Albemarle Police Department recently arrested two male juveniles armed with guns following a pursuit involving a stolen vehicle.
APD detectives are actively investigating and searching for a third male subject in the Nov. 10 car chase who escaped from the scene of the crime and still has not been located, according to an update from the police department.
Due to North Carolina law, the identities of the juveniles are not being released. The investigation is ongoing as the same suspects are believed to be involved in three recent larceny of vehicle incidents in Albemarle.
On Sunday, Nov. 10, at 2:38 a.m., an Albemarle officer’s patrol vehicle was nearly hit by a white Mercedes-Benz that ran a stop sign at Arey Avenue and East Main Street. It was later determined that the car had been stolen approximately six minutes earlier.
After two officers began a pursuit of the vehicle for a short distance, three males slowed and exited the vehicle on South Morrow Street near Rush Street.
One suspect was apprehended at the scene on South Morrow Street, while a second was apprehended after the Stanly County Sheriff’s Office assisted with a Police K-9 search.
“This was a dangerous encounter with armed individuals,” Albemarle Interim Police Chief Penny Dunn said in a press release. “The Albemarle Police Department has well-trained officers who exercised good judgment, quick action, and courage when facing a difficult situation.”
The keys for the stolen vehicle — which has since been returned to its owner — were left inside the car with the doors unlocked.
Both juveniles are Albemarle residents and have been detained by the Juvenile Justice Department as they were each in possession of a handgun and resisted arrest in the altercation, along with numerous felony charges.
Anyone with information that can assist investigators is advised to call 704-984-9500 or the anonymous tip line at 704-984-9511.