Chase Starts In Catawba County, Ends In Iredell County

A Banner Elk man was arrested following a high-speed chase that started in Catawba County and continued into Iredell County along Interstate 40.

Michael John Teaster, age 47, is charged with felony assault on a law enforcement officer, felony speeding to elude, speeding 100 mph in a 65-mph zone, failure to heed to blue light and siren, reckless driving, felony hit and run and resist and delay and obstruct law enforcement officers.

On Sunday at 4:20 p.m., the NC Highway Patrol attempted to stop a blue 2021 Nissan Titan, traveling east on Interstate 40 near mile marker 132. The initial traffic stop was due to erratic driving, Casey said.
The driver of the vehicle, identified as Teaster, refused to stop and a chase ensued according to a release from the NC Highway Patrol.

A trooper assisting in the chase attempted to perform a rolling roadblock. As the trooper was pulling beside the vehicle, the driver rammed the trooper’s vehicle. This caused the trooper to lose control and crash into the median. The trooper was treated for minor injuries at a hospital and released.
The suspect vehicle continued east on Interstate 40 into Iredell County where two Iredell County troopers utilized stop sticks to deflate the tires. Teaster attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended.

Teaster is currently held at the Catawba County Detention Facility on a combined bond of $175,000.