News

City police vehicle spills gear onto I-26 as it joins chase

By Lightning Reports, Published: April 5, 2021

A Hendersonville police vehicle involved in a chase on I-26 spilled equipment onto the roadway on Sunday when it sped off with the rear tailgate unlatched, the city said in a news release.

City police were involved in the vehicular pursuit, a part of which was captured on video by a citizen and posted on social media.

“We are aware of a video on social media showing a Hendersonville Police Department vehicle involved in the pursuit Easter Sunday,” Hendersonville Police Chief Blair Myhand said in a news release. The video shows a patrol vehicle accelerating from the side of the highway to join the pursuit. However, the rear hatch of the vehicle was not properly latched, and the contents of the vehicle spilled onto the roadway.

Fortunately, vehicles on the interstate were stopped and no injuries were sustained because of the gear spill. One uninvolved vehicle struck a tire-deflation device resulting in two flat tires. Both tires were replaced at no expense to the owner.

“Thank you to the people who picked up our equipment until the officer could return to collect it,” said Chief Myhand. “Their honesty and willingness to help is greatly appreciated. One hundred percent of the officer’s gear was returned.”

Arrested in relation to the pursuit was Corey Robert Garrison, 32, of Asheville. He is charged with felony fleeing to elude; possession of methamphetamine; larceny; resist, delay, and obstruct an officer; possession of drug paraphernalia; possession of schedule iv and vi substance; maintaining a vehicle; and an outstanding warrant out of Buncombe County for misdemeanor larceny and probation violation. He was taken to the Henderson County Jail and held on a $54,700 bond. His first appearance was set for 9 a.m. Monday at the Henderson County Courthouse.

“We are thankful that no one was hurt because of our actions,” Chief Myhand said. “Our department is conducting an internal review of the incident and looking for ways to avoid a similar incident in the future.”