FROM STAFF REPORTS

A Vale man who wrecked a stolen vehicle while attempting to avoid apprehension by Iredell County Sheriff’s Office deputies was taken into custody after an ICSO canine tracked him to an areas off Scotts Creek Road.

Sheriff Darren Campbell announced the arrest of Jason Bart Johnson, 44, of Lefevers Road, Vale, in a news release Thursday.

Early Wednesday morning Deputy C. Levan attempted to stop a vehicle traveling on Wilkesboro Highway for a traffic violation, Campbell said. The driver of the car pulled into the parking lot of the Food Lion on Wilkesboro Highway and then drove off at a high rate of speed, according to the news release.

After the deputy lost sight of the vehicle for a brief period, additional deputies responded to the area to assist in locating the car, Campbell said.

Deputy G. Wyatt located the suspect vehicle — which had been wrecked and abandoned — a few minutes later one mile north of the Food Lion parking lot, according to the news release.

After further investigation, deputies learned the vehicle, a 2013 Nissan Maxima, had been reported stolen by Statesville Police Department earlier in the day.

Deputy N. Hodges and Canine “Levi” responded to the scene and began tracking the suspect’s scent.

After Levi led the deputies in the direction of Scotts Creek Road, Johnson was located on 312 Scotts Creek Road property attempting to hide from deputies in the yard, according to the news release.

Johnson was taken into custody by the deputies without further incident and transported to the Iredell County Detention Center, where he was charged with Felony Fleeing to Elude, Felony Possession of Stolen Motor Vehicle, Misdemeanor Resisting Public Officer, Misdemeanor Careless and Reckless Driving, Misdemeanor Injury to Real Property, Misdemeanor Driving While License Revoked.

Magistrate Nicholson issued a $10,000 secured bond on these charges.