On Wednesday, July 22 a Haywood County Deputy observed Dalton Suttles driving on NC Highway 209. The deputy confirmed that Suttles had several existing felony warrants and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. Suttles refused to stop and continued driving westbound on Highway 23/74 towards the Haywood/Jackson line.
The Waynesville Police Department immediately assisted and additional aid was requested from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. Several minutes into the pursuit, Suttles intentionally drove into oncoming traffic and continued driving westbound in the eastbound lanes of US 23/74. He struck a vehicle in a head-on collision resulting in the death of one of the passengers in the victim’s vehicle and the injury of two others.
Suttles was taken by ambulance to Mission Hospital where he was treated and released. He is being held in the Haywood County Detention Center under no bond.
When asked about this ongoing investigation Sheriff Christopher said, “We are deeply saddened by the tragedy that occurred yesterday evening when Mr. Suttles made his choice to intentionally drive the wrong way on a highway which led to the crash that took the life of an innocent person. Suttles choices have changed the lives of the innocent, their families, and everyone else involved in this incident to include the law enforcement officers and first responders that assisted. Choices like the one Suttles made tear at the very core of our society. If he had complied with the law when requested by law enforcement to stop his vehicle on the shoulder of the road, this tragedy would have been avoided. Our sincere prayers are with the families of the victims. Rest assured, this case will be brought to justice.”
Suttles was charged with:
• Trafficking in Methamphetamine – 2 counts
• Felony Failure to Appear – 6 counts
• Misdemeanor Failure to Appear
• Fleeing to Elude Arrest
And was placed in the Haywood County Detention Center with more charges pending.