Police in North Carolina, have shared details about a slow speed tractor pursuit that occurred in the town of Boone this week.
The police chase happened around 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 17, in Watauga County, North Carolina.
According to the Town of Boone Police Department, the tractor driver, Ronnie Hicks, 43, is well known among local law enforcement.
Police say that the incident began when they received a call that a tractor was being driven erratically in a parking lot trying to hit pedestrians and did in fact hit a vehicle on the east side of town.
Authorities later learned that the tractor allegedly driven by Hicks struck several vehicles, a dumpster, and a church.
From Boone Police:
“We did attempt to use stop sticks, but they were not terribly effective on the tractor. Our officers where concerned for the welfare of our citizens as Mr. Hicks was intentionally driving the tractor toward on-coming traffic. Mr. Hicks also intentionally rammed a Boone Police vehicle. Once he turned onto Old 421, we were next concerned about Parkway Elementary and were determined not to let him get that far. When the tractor was in an isolated area, one of our officers shot the tires of the tractor (with my authorization) since the spike strips were ineffective. The Tractor then turned onto Elk Creek Rd. After a few miles of driving without a front tire Mr. Hicks turned onto a private drive and ran out of road.
Mr. Hicks then jumped off the tractor and was wielding a knife. A Boone officer utilized a Taser, and the suspect was taken into custody without injury to the suspect or the officers.“
WSOC-TV reports that Hicks faces multiple charges, including driving while impaired, assault with a deadly weapon on a government official, reckless driving, and felony fleeing to elude arrest.
“It just doesn’t seem like this should be happening in Boone…” said Boone Police Chief Andy Le Beau.