An Iron Station man is facing numerous charges after leading investigators on a multi-state chase that ended only 17 miles from the Georgia state line.
The incident began around 11 p.m. on January 13, 2024, near US 321 in Lincoln County.
Deputies from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office stated they attempted to stop Jesse Michael Waterson, 41, on U.S. 321 after noticing a phony license plate. The Iron Station guy left US 321 at the High Shoals exit and pulled over, but ran as deputies approached his vehicle.
Deputies pursued Waterson to Gaston County, where Dallas Police and Gaston County Police officers continued the chase. Waterson then took I-85 south and entered South Carolina.
When Waterson was about 17 miles from the Georgia state line, authorities used stop sticks to puncture his tires, bringing his vehicle to a halt.
According to authorities, Waterson refused to come out of his vehicle, forcing officers to break a window and utilize a K-9 to assist in the arrest. The vehicle was confiscated and sent to Lincoln County, where a search warrant was executed.
During the car search, a weapon was discovered hooked to a magnet underneath the steering wheel. Deputies said a tiny amount of what they suspect to be a controlled substance was also confiscated and will be tested at the state lab.
Waterson waived extradition on Thursday and was brought back to North Carolina by Lincoln County authorities. Waterson was charged with the following:
- Felony flight to avoid arrest.
- Possession of a gun by a felon
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Driving while your license is revoked
- display a bogus registration plate
Waterson is being held in the Harven A. Crouse Detention Center without bond.