On January 2, around 7:45 PM a Cumberland County officer was sitting at the Green Wave Truck Stop when a vehicle at a high rate of speed came around his parked patrol car almost striking it with the vehicle fishtailing, and then proceeded out of the parking lot towards Westel Road. As the vehicle continued to flee, the officer noticed a tail light out as well as expired tags. The officer followed the vehicle with activated lights and sirens until the vehicle turned back into the Green Wave Gas Station proceeding through the gas pumps up through Mountain Top Bar and through the Westel Boat/RV traveling 50mph until the back of the business where the driver came to a stop just before a gate that was shut.

The driver identified as Theron Murphy exited the vehicle with his hands up and was safely placed in custody. According to the police report, Murphy stated he had marijuana in his pocket along with a small rubber bowl. He also alleged he had “two meth pipes” inside the vehicle which were located in the passenger seat.

Murphy told officers that he and his girlfriend had gotten into an argument at the Mountain Top Bar and wanted to make a scene by leaving at an excessive speed. He stated he then saw the officer’s car and it was too late, he knew the officer had seen him so he continued trying to flee from the officer.

Theron Murphy did pass a sobriety test but was taken into custody and charged with Felony Evading, Simple Possession, and Drug Paraphernalia.