EC man, VB woman arrested in connection to stolen vehicles, police pursuit

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — A 40-year-old Elizabeth City man and 19-year-old Virginia Beach woman were arrested in connection to stolen vehicles after they drove away from police, deputies said.

On Feb. 22, Martin County Sheriff’s Deputy Justin Barr was stationed on the U.S. Hwy 64 Expressway when he saw two cars matching descriptions of stolen vehicles, a black BMW sedan and a black Nissan Titan.

Barr began following the vehicles and called for backup. The cars sped up when Barr attempted to pull them over, and the pursuit led officers through Martin County and into Edgecombe County.

The suspects were identified as Steven James Adams and Shannon Elizabeth Jackson.

At one point, after the cars went into Edgecombe County, the woman driving the BMW stopped and got into the Nissan Titan and the pursuit continued, deputies said.

The Martin County Sheriff’s Office, Williamston Police Department and the Edgecombe County Sheriff’s Office all assisted in the pursuit.

After entering Edgecombe County, the Nissan Titan began driving into a field, and crashed into a large canal. The two passengers of the Nissan Titan fled the area on foot.

Barr began a foot pursuit and K9 Draco was deployed. The dog located the man, the driver of the Nissan Titan, and he was taken into custody.

After he was taken into custody, a drone was deployed by Barr and the woman, originally the driver of the black BMW, was located and taken into custody.

While K9 Draco was assisting in taking the man into custody, the man assaulted K9 Draco, which resulted in a serious injury to K9 Draco’s right eye, and required treatment from a veterinarian.

Investigators from the Martin County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene and began to process the area.

Adams and Jackson face more than ten charges each on drug charges, eluding charges, etc. Adams was also charged with assaulting a law enforcement K9.

Check with WAVY.com for updates.

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