ASHEBORO, N.C. (WGHP) — A series of break-ins led to a high-speed chase early Wednesday morning, according to police.

Troopers say that the chase started around 3 a.m.

According to Asheboro Police Department, an officer was patrolling on North Fayetteville Street when they saw two men wearing dark clothing walking in the parking lot of Summers Run Apartments.

Eight vehicle break-ins had been reported on the northern side of Asheboro over the past few weeks, according to Asheboro police. In at least four of those cases, the vehicle was unlocked. One vehicle was confirmed locked, and three others are unknown.

When the officer pulled into the parking lot, he didn’t see the two men that he had spotted in the area earlier, but he did see a truck with interior lights on. The officers noticed that the passenger side door was open and an exterior toolbox had been opened.

They then saw a silver passenger car driving towards the exit of the parking lot, speeding.

When the suspect vehicle passed them, officers tried to stop them but they did not stop, sparking a chase. Police say the vehicle reached a speed of about 120 mph.

Officers chased the vehicle for around 12 miles but abandoned the chase on I-73 near Groometown Road. The suspect vehicle crashed into trees and brush on the exit ramp from Interstate 85 south in Guilford County, where it caught fire. The suspect or suspects then ran away from the scene. Police believe there are one or two suspects.

Officers later determined that the vehicle’s tag was reported stolen to Burlington police on Nov. 26.

The highway patrol and Guilford County authorities are helping Asheboro police look for the people involved. Law enforcement said that due to the weather conditions, it is not an active search Wednesday morning. They sent out a K-9 at one point to help assist but had no luck.