The Charlotte Observer is reporting that a man who died in a weekend police chase in China Grove had been suspected in crimes in four area counties, according to the Rowan County Sheriff's Office. Authorities used fingerprints to identify the man as Ricky Bradley of Concord.
Bradley was released from prison in August after serving time for larceny and communicating threats. He had been listed as an absconder by Cabarrus County probation and parole officials, a term for an offender who has avoided supervision and can't be located.
Investigators tried unsuccessfully to find Bradley after he'd been named a suspect in multiple crimes in Cabarrus and Mecklenburg counties.
The search for Bradley picked up again last week after he was linked to crimes in Rowan County. He also is a suspect in Iredell.
Saturday's chase began about 1 p.m., when China Grove police officers tried to pull over a dark-colored 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche that had been linked to break-ins and other crimes.
Two officers chased the vehicle west on N.C. 152 toward Mooresville, with speeds reaching more than 110 mph. Authorities said the vehicle turned north on Millbridge Road and drove into a field, where it struck an embankment and flipped in the air. The driver was thrown and died at the scene.
The Avalanche had been reported stolen last month in Mooresville, officials said, and also had a stolen license plate.
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