N.C. man airlifted after crash on Hwy. 5

A Davidson, N.C., man crashed his car during a June 3 police chase and had to be flown by helicopter to Spartanburg Regional Medical Center for treatment of his injuries.

According to a report at the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office, the incident began when Richard Lee Alexander, 26, of Lakeside Drive, Davidson, N.C., allegedly was observed stealing a laptop computer from a car parked outside Fatz restaurant on Peachoid Road in Gaffney.

The owner of the computer followed Alexander as he drove North on Interstate 85. Police reported they caught up to Alexander's vehicle, a 2003 Saturn Vue, at the 102 Mile Marker and activated blue lights and sirens in an effort to initiate a traffic stop. They claimed Alexander would not stop.

Police said Alexander ultimately crashed his vehicle on Highway 5 near Jumping Branch Road. Alexander allegedly fled into a wooded area after the wreck, but was captured a short time later.

Police said a bag containing the laptop computer was found in the rear storage area of Alexander's vehicle and was returned to its owner.