CURRITUCK COUNTY, N.C. — Currituck County deputies say the suspect is now in custody. Currituck County says after a brief footchase and "hands on event" the suspect was taken to the hospital for an evaluation.
Currituck County residents are being asked to stay inside their homes as deputies look for a man who is considered armed and dangerous.
Just before 4:35 p.m. Monday, the sheriff's office said deputies became involved in a chase that started in Dare County. The suspect behind the wheel was 29-year-old Preston Mertes.
Deputies chased Mertes into Grandy where he crashed after swerving to avoid deployed stop sticks on Macedonia Church Road. Mertes got out of the car and pointed an assault rifle-type weapon in the direction of the deputies.
"Five shots were fired and he fled into the woods that are under containment at this time," the sheriff's office said in a Facebook post.
The shots were fired in the area of 5812 Caratoke Hwy near Cooper Professional, officials said.
The sheriff's office said Mertes should be considered armed and dangerous. He was seen wearing all-black clothing.
Caratoke Highway was closed between Aydlett Road and Macedonia Church Road while officials investigate and search for Mertes.
