Brunswick County, NC. LELAND, NC. A Leland Police Officer was hospitalized after a woman slammed into his patrol car.
According to Leland Police Chief Mike James, the loss prevention team at the Walmart on New Pointe Blvd. had been tipped off by the Walmart in Wilmington to watch out for a woman they suspected of shoplifting.
Around 10 p.m. police say the store's loss prevention team contacted police when this same woman entered their store.
Sgt. Keel approached 51-year-old Joyce Mae Norris as she was getting in her truck.
That’s when police say Norris hit Keel’s patrol car, and another car in the parking lot, before speeding off.
Officers chased the woman on US-17 and into the Waterford neighborhood.
Cpl. Long also tried to stop Norris, who nearly caused a head on collision before speeding off once more.
Police say the chase ended near the Goodwill when Norris ran out of road. That's when police say she got out of the car and tried to run.
Norris was arrested and charged with two counts assault with a deadly weapon on a law enforcement officer, felony fleeing to elude, DWI, three counts injury to personal property, larceny, open container, and giving false information to an officer.
Police say Norris also had an outstanding warrant.
Norris is being held at the Brunswick County jail on a $117,500 bond.
Cpl. Long was sent to the hospital for problems with his wrist and knee. He was treated and released later on.
Police estimate it will cost around $10,000 a piece to fix the patrol cars.
They say highway patrol is investigating the crash.
