JACKSONVILLE, N.C. — A Jacksonville man is facing more than 20 charges after authorities say a road rage incident led to a police pursuit through Onslow County on Friday night.
According to arrest warrants, 42-year-old Erasto Santana was arrested May 29 and charged with felony fleeing to elude arrest with a motor vehicle, driving while impaired, aggressive driving, resisting a public officer, misuse of the 911 system, two counts of communicating threats, four counts of assault with a deadly weapon, and numerous traffic violations.
Investigators say the incident began as a road rage complaint in Jacksonville before escalating into a pursuit involving local law enforcement and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
State Highway Patrol warrants allege Santana fled from officers on U.S. 258 while speeding, driving recklessly, and operating a vehicle while impaired. Court documents state he reached speeds of 75 mph in a 55-mph zone, failed to stop for emergency lights and sirens, ran red lights, and failed to maintain lane control.
Authorities also allege Santana struck multiple vehicles and other objects while attempting to evade law enforcement, causing more than $1,000 in property damage. The pursuit came to an end when State Highway Patrol troopers successfully performed a PIT maneuver near Blue Creek Road on Richlands Highway. Authorities said no injuries were reported to law enforcement officers, the suspect, or anyone else involved.
Additional warrants filed by the Jacksonville Police Department accuse Santana of reaching speeds of 85 mph in a 45-mph zone on N.C. 53, weaving in and out of traffic lanes, running additional red lights, and using a mobile phone while driving.
Investigators further allege Santana called 911 during the pursuit and told officers to stop chasing him. Authorities also claim he intentionally swerved his vehicle toward a law enforcement officer and patrol vehicle, resulting in one of the assault with a deadly weapon charges.
The Onslow County Sheriff’s Office filed additional charges connected to two individuals involved in the incident. According to warrants, Santana allegedly threatened both individuals and stated he would physically assault them. Authorities further allege Santana struck both individuals with his vehicle, leading to additional assault with a deadly weapon charges.
The full list of charges includes:
Felony fleeing to elude arrest with a motor vehicleDriving while impairedAggressive drivingSpeeding (multiple violations)Failure to heed lights and sirens (multiple counts)Failure to maintain lane control (multiple counts)Failure to stop at a steady red light (multiple counts)Improper use of a traffic laneHit and run involving property damageMobile phone violation while operating a motor vehicleMisuse of the 911 systemResisting a public officerTwo counts of communicating threatsFour counts of assault with a deadly weapon
Court records show Santana refused to submit to a chemical analysis following his arrest. As a result, his driver’s license was immediately revoked and will remain revoked for at least 30 days and until required fees are paid.
Santana was transported to the Onslow County Detention Center, where he is being held under secured bonds totaling $95,000.
He is scheduled to make his first court appearance on Monday, June 1.