Three county chase began in Oak City

An armed carjacking that began in Oak City last Saturday evening ended abruptly after a high speed chase through Bertie and Hertford counties.

Suspects Devonte Jamal Cofield and Lamajae Ki’tory Norfleet were arrested after the carjacked vehicle suffered spike strip damage in Hertford County, ending the chase that reached speeds of over 100 miles per hour.

Bertie County Sheriff Tyrone Williams said that at 7:45 p.m. on Saturday April, 26, Sgt. Harris Williams and Deputy Demurio Pillmon were patrolling the Lewiston Woodville area when they noticed a vehicle matching the description of a vehicle reported carjacked in Martin County.

Sgt. Williams and Dep. Pillmon attempted to stop the vehicle on N.C. 11 near Aulander. When the deputies activated their emergency lights to stop the vehicle, the driver of the vehicle failed to stop and sped away — with speeds reaching in excess of 100 mph.

While pursuing the vehicle, Sgt. Williams noticed a second vehicle that was trailing and following the suspected carjacked vehicle. Later in the incident, that car was identified as being involved in the carjacking.

As the chase continued towards Hertford County, Bertie County Communications notified Hertford County enforcement and as the vehicle crossed the Bertie/Hertford County line, N.C. State Highway Patrol officers successfully spike stripped the fleeing vehicle.

The driver of the vehicle exited and fled on foot. Law enforcement from the Bertie County Sheriff’s Office, Hertford County Sheriff’s Office, Ahoskie Police Department and NCSHP set a perimeter in the area.

K9 units and drone units were deployed in the area. At 10:46 p.m., a drone unit operated by Ahoskie Police Officer Tanner Pennington located the suspect on top of a construction tent. Law enforcement officers surrounded the area and the suspect surrendered.

During the search for the suspected carjacker, officers noticed the second vehicle that was following the carjacked vehicle circling the area of the search. Law enforcement officers were able to stop the vehicle and, after confirming through video surveillance with Martin County Sheriff’s Office, the occupant of the second vehicle, Norfleet, dropped the armed carjacker off

Cofield is charged with robbery with a dangerous weapon, conspiracy to commit armed robbery, first degree kidnapping, assault by pointing a gun, possession of a stolen vehicle, felony flee to elude arrest and possession of marijuana.

Norfleet was charged with robbery with a dangerous weapon and conspiracy to commit armed robbery.

“This is another great example of law enforcement agencies working closely together to remove violent criminals from our streets. This is also another great example of why law enforcement agencies must have the technology and resources we have,” said Sheriff Ruffin. “I commend each of the officers and agencies involved in apprehending the suspects including, Bertie County Communications, Martin County Sheriff’s Office, Hertford County Sheriff’s Office and the N.C. State Highway Patrol.”