(Scott Pelkey / Acme News)

ASHEBORO, N.C. — A man was arrested after leading police on a high-speed chase that ended in a head-on collision on Highway 64, critically injuring a passenger and shutting down westbound lanes for several hours.

Larry Dean Land was pulled over by the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Apprehension Team on Dec. 2, 2021, at approximately 2:30 p.m. Land had multiple outstanding warrants from Randolph, Brunswick, Davidson and Guilford counties.

Land refused to stop, and a pursuit ensued at speeds reaching 85 mph. The chase moved from the 64 Bypass to Interstate 73/74 and back to the Bypass.

While on the entrance ramp for the Zoo Connector, Land made an illegal U-turn and began driving the wrong direction in the westbound lane. Moments later, he crashed head-on with another vehicle.

Both Land and the driver of the other vehicle were transported to local hospitals by Randolph County EMS. A passenger in Land’s vehicle was pinned in the wreckage and had to be cut free by rescue crews. UNC Aircare landed directly on the highway to transport that passenger.

Highway Patrol deputies and Sheriff’s Office deputies administered initial aid at the scene. Police used a fire extinguisher to extinguish a fire that had started in Land’s vehicle.

All westbound lanes of the 64 Bypass remained closed until approximately 5 p.m.

The vehicle Land was driving had been reported stolen from the Davis Country Road area of Randleman on Dec. 1, 2021. When taken into custody, police found a firearm and a controlled substance in his possession.

After being treated at a hospital, Land was transported to the Randolph County Jail. A magistrate found probable cause for multiple outstanding warrants and new charges.

Land faces charges from multiple counties:

From Randolph County: Two counts of felony larceny of motor vehicle parts, three counts of felony possession of stolen goods, three counts of felony larceny, felony breaking and entering a motor vehicle, misdemeanor attempted breaking and entering a motor vehicle, misdemeanor larceny and misdemeanor injury to personal property. Additional charges include felony possession of a stolen motor vehicle (a U-Haul involved in an ATV theft), felony breaking and entering, two counts of felony larceny and misdemeanor injury to personal property. Bond was set at $20,000 secured.

From Davidson County: Two counts of felony larceny of motor vehicle parts, felony attempted breaking and entering, felony possession of heroin, felony possession of methamphetamine and related misdemeanors. Land also faces failure-to-appear charges.

From Brunswick County: Felony larceny and seven counts of felony breaking and entering, three counts of felony larceny after breaking and entering and felony breaking and entering of a motor vehicle. Court date set for Jan. 11, 2022.

From Guilford County: Misdemeanor injury to personal property, misdemeanor larceny, misdemeanor trespassing, felony probation violation and related charges.

Land’s first appearance in Randolph County District Court was scheduled for Dec. 6, 2021.

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