FROM STAFF REPORTS

A Mooresville man who dragged an Iredell County Sheriff’s Office deputy with his vehicle during a traffic stop on Saturday has been apprehended and jailed without bond.

Law enforcement officers found Corey Allen Leazer, 33, of River Highway, Mooresville, hiding in a hole in the ground near the Iredell-Mecklenburg county line in the early morning hours on Sunday, Sheriff Darren Campbell said.

Due to exposure to the weather conditions, Leazer was treated by EMS personnel and taken to a local medical facility, where he was examined and then released to the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office. He was questioned and made statements about his involvement in this incident, Campbell said.

Leazer was transported to the lredell County Detention Center, where he was charged with Felony Assault with a Deadly Weapon on a Law Enforcement Officer, Felony Flee to Elude, Misdemeanor Resist, Obstruct, and Delay, and several driving-related charges. He appeared before Magistrate S. Watkins, who issued no bond on these charges due to Leazer being out on bond for prior charges.

The suspect was stopped by an ICSO deputy about 4:30 p.m. Saturday at a gas station at 896 Oakridge Farm Highway near Mooresville for traffic violations, according to the news release.

 During the stop, Leazer attempted to get away by pulling away from the deputy and getting back into his vehicle. As the deputy tried to pull Leazer out of the vehicle, Leazer placed the vehicle in drive, dragging the deputy about 15 to 20 feet, Campbell said.

The deputy fired his weapon but did not appear to hit the suspect, according to the news release.

The deputy was able to return to his patrol vehicle and pursued Leazer. The chase was terminated when the vehicles entered Rowan County due to the suspect’s driving speed, traffic conditions, and concern for the public’s safety.

The deputy was not seriously injured.

“For all those who have expressed concern about the welfare of our deputy who was involved, we are humbled and thank you for your concern,” Campbell said on social media. “He was very fortunate not to have sustained a serious injury and will be back protecting the citizens of Iredell County soon.”

The suspect’s vehicle was located and seized a short time later inside Mecklenburg County.

ICSO deputies and Mecklenburg County law enforcement personnel searched for the suspect throughout the night.

Campbell expressed the ICSO’s appreciation to all the law enforcement agencies in Rowan County and Mecklenburg County for helping to locate Leazer.