On May 11, 2023, the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office initiated a traffic stop in the area of Pisgah Covered Bridge Rd., Asheboro. The vehicle's operator then failed to heed to the lights and sirens, accelerated and a pursuit ensued. As the driver turned onto Mt. Lebanon Rd., the deputy attempted a forced vehicle maneuver but the fleeing motorist avoided the maneuver, came to a stop, and then fled again. As the pursuit continued, the deputy attempted another forced vehicle maneuver, breaking the vehicle's traction and causing it to come to a stop again. As the deputy was exiting the vehicle, the motorist accelerated towards him striking the patrol car, and again fleeing apprehension. The pursuit continued onto Abner Road.
Additional deputies arrived in the area to assist with the pursuit. A tire deflation device was deployed on High Pine Church Road, successfully puncturing numerous tires on the offender’s vehicle. However, the offender continued to flee but the speeds of the pursuit were greatly reduced and the driver was having trouble controlling the vehicle. The pursuing deputy attempted a third and final forced vehicle maneuver, immobilizing the offender’s car. The offender was taken into custody without further incident. The offender was identified as Thomas Dwayne Underwood. Deputies found methamphetamine and paraphernalia in the vehicle.
Communications advised that Underwood had six unserved warrants and orders for his arrest from various counties to include Davidson, Davie and Harnett.
Underwood was transported to the Randolph County Detention Center where he was taken before the magistrate and served with the outstanding warrants and orders for arrest. The magistrate also found probable cause for the charges of felony flee to elude arrest, felony assault with deadly weapon against a government official, felony possession methamphetamine, misdemeanor driving while license revoked-not impaired revocation, misdemeanor reckless driving to endanger, misdemeanor possession drug paraphernalia, fail to burn headlamps and fail to stop at stop sign. Underwood received a $119,500 total secured bond along with EHA conditions for release. A first appearance was set for May 12, 2023, in Randolph County District Court.
Name of Defendant:
Thomas Dwayne Underwood
Age: 39
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Warrants and Orders for arrest also served:
Harnett County: Felony larceny of motor vehicle, felony conspiracy
Davie County: Order for arrest for failure to appear – felony larceny
Davidson County:
- felony possession of stolen goods,
- order for arrest for failure to appear on felony possession of methamphetamine, misdemeanor simple possession of schedule IV controlled substance, misdemeanor possession drug paraphernalia
- order for arrest felony possession of methamphetamine, misdemeanor communicating threats, two counts misdemeanor assault on a female, felony assault inflicting serious bodily injury
- order for arrest misdemeanor driving while license revoked – impaired revoked, misdemeanor drive/allow motor vehicle no registration, misdemeanor no liablility insurance, misdemeanor ficticious/altered title/registration card/tag, drive without headlamps
