Driver arrested after 100 mph chase

Published 3:47 pm Friday, June 13, 2025

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AHOSKIE – A local man faces an array of charges after a failed attempt to flee from law enforcement.

Thomas Byrd

Thomas Byrd, age 51 of Colerain, was arrested Wednesday and charged with felony speed to elude arrest, felony possession of Schedule II controlled substance (methamphetamine), misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia, expired vehicle registration card, resisting a public officer, failing to heed blue light/siren, and speeding.

According to Hertford County Sheriff Dexter Hayes, HCSO Sgt. N. Cofield was patrolling the area of NC Hwy 11 North when she came upon a vehicle displaying an expired North Carolina registration plate. Cofield activated her emergency equipment to stop the vehicle, but the driver sped off.

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Sgt. Cofield notified Hertford County Communications of the vehicle pursuit and assistance was sent. The suspect vehicle continued north on NC 11 towards Murfreesboro, reaching speeds of 100 mph. The vehicle performed a U-turn in the driveway of Ridgecroft School and then continued south back towards Ahoskie.

The vehicle turned on the A.J. Wilson Road and the driver (later identified as Byrd) subsequently stopped and fled on foot in the woods. Sgt. Cofield stayed with the vehicle due to a passenger being located in the front seat.

When assistance arrived, a resident on the A.J. Wilson Road notified deputies that a man came to their home to hide inside. The homeowner was familiar with the man, but didn’t wish to be involved with the pursuit.

Law enforcement on the scene convinced Byrd to exit the residence and he surrendered at that point.

Sheriff Hayes said a search of the vehicle was conducted with narcotics and paraphernalia being located.

The passenger was detained, but released from custody with no charges.

Hayes added that the vehicle was seized pursuant to North Carolina’s “Run & Done Law”.

Byrd was also served with outstanding warrants out of Bertie County for resisting a public officer and larceny. Byrd was taken to the Hertford County Detention Center where he is held without bond pending his first court appearance.

Hayes thanked officers with the Murfreesboro Police Department and Ahoskie Police Department for their assistance during the vehicle pursuit.