FROM STAFF REPORTS

A suspect in multiple hit-and-run collisions was apprehended in Iredell County early Saturday morning after crashing a tractor-trailer into two N.C. Highway Patrol vehicles.

Monte Keith Gore, 63, of Bainbridge, Pa., faces several charged, including felony assault with a deadly weapon, according to an NCHP news release.

About 8:10 p.m. on Saturday, troopers attempted to stop a tractor-trailer in Mecklenburg County that was the suspect vehicle in multiple hit-and-run collisions beginning in Gaston County, according to the news release.

The driver of the truck, later identified as Gore, refused to stop therefore initiating a chase by troopers which continued onto Interstate 77 North. At approximately 8:30 p.m., troopers in Iredell County were stopped along I-77 North near the 39 mile marker attempting to deploy a tire deflation device in an effort to bring the pursuit to a safe ending.

The tractor-trailer struck the tire deflation device but then made a sharp turn and collided with two patrol vehicles, which were parked on the shoulder with emergency lights activated, according to the news release. The tractor-trailer then overturned and blocked the northbound lanes.

The troopers were outside and away from their patrol cars at the time of the collision. The troopers were not injured.

Gore was injured and transported by Iredell County EMS to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem.

He is charged with driving while impaired, felony speeding to elude arrest, felonious assault with a deadly weapon, failing to heed light and siren, reckless driving, hit and run, possession of a controlled substance, and damage to state property.

I-77 North was fully reopened for traffic after 1 a.m. when the roadway was cleared.