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SCOTLAND NECK – What started as an attempted traffic stop on Tuesday for speeding near Aulander ended with an arrest in Scotland Neck.

Joseph Powell, age 35 of Kelford, faces numerous charges after leading law enforcement agencies on a three-county chase that reached speeds of up to 120 mph.

Bertie Sheriff Tyrone Ruffin said that BCSO Lt. R. Dozier attempted to stop a vehicle for speeding 87 mph in a 55 mph zone on NC 11 near Aulander. However, the driver, later identified as Powell, refused to pull over.

The chase ensued south on NC 11 and into Martin County. Along the way, Powell’s vehicle struck a Halifax County deputy’s car in Hobgood.

The chase ended in Scotland Neck when Powell’s vehicle crashed into a Scotland Neck Police car.

Fortunately no one was seriously injured.

Powell, who was jailed in Halifax County under a $60,000 secured bond, was charged with felony flee to elude arrest, assault on government official, fail to heed blue light and siren, speeding, and reckless driving.