A Mooresville driver accused of ramming an Iredell County deputy with his pickup, then tearing off and leading authorities on a chase into town, ultimately crashed into a BP gas station before being taken into custody, officials said. The deputy was not hurt, and the truck came to rest in the station's parking lot after the collision. The driver, identified by the sheriff's office as 24-year-old Joseph Radames Rodriguez, now faces a stack of charges.
According to WCNC, the incident began when a deputy stopped a Dodge Ram at the intersection of Williford Road and Eternal Drive a few miles outside Mooresville and spotted what appeared to be drug paraphernalia on the passenger seat. When the deputy asked the driver to step out, the pickup sped away and struck the deputy as it took off, according to the sheriff's statement. Mooresville police joined the pursuit as the truck headed into town.
Traffic Stop Escalates Into Pursuit
According to the Iredell County Sheriff's Office, Mooresville officers deployed stop sticks that flattened the truck's tires. The vehicle then crashed into the BP station and came to a stop in the parking lot. Deputies arrested Rodriguez at the scene and noted he had been out on bond before the incident. The sheriff's office said the deputy who was struck did not suffer injuries.
Drugs, Warrants And Charges
Officers found crack cocaine, marijuana and other drug paraphernalia inside the pickup, and investigators later discovered Rodriguez was wanted in Mecklenburg County for breaking and entering, as reported by WCNC. Iredell deputies say Rodriguez is charged with flee to elude, maintaining a vehicle for a controlled substance, two counts of assault with a deadly weapon on a government official, reckless driving and several drug offenses. The agency said the investigation is still active.
Legal Status And Bond
The Iredell County Sheriff's Office said Rodriguez was denied bond in the Iredell County case and remains in custody at the detention center. Court proceedings will determine whether prosecutors file additional charges as the investigation continues.
Community Safety And Pursuit Tactics
Multi-agency coordination and the use of spike strips helped bring the chase to a halt without reported injuries to bystanders. The crash highlights the risks deputies face during traffic stops and the public-safety concerns that come with high-speed pursuits moving through populated areas.
The case remains under investigation and charges are pending in Iredell County. Officials say more details will be released as records and court filings become available.
