Authorities Chase Suspect From Wayne To Johnston County

The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office reports a vehicle towing a trailer and riding lawnmower was observed committing a Chapter 20 traffic violation on Tuesday.  As a traffic stop was attempted, the driver fled from law enforcement, heading north on I-795.  The pursuit continued onto the westbound U.S. 70 Bypass and on onto Highway 70 toward Johnston County.  The chase ended in the Princeton area when the suspect vehicle was disabled with spike strips.  The driver, 22-year-old Victor E. Smith of Raleigh, was taken into custody.  The riding lawn mower was reportedly found to have been stolen out of Spartanburg County, SC.  Smith was charged with Felony Flee to Elude and Felony Possession of Stolen Property as well as traffic offenses.  He was also served on an outstanding warrant out of Wake County for Misdemeanor Larceny.  Smith was held on a $7,000 secured bond.