Categories: Wanchese NC Real Estate News

Wanchese Fishing Charter Captain Arrested After Police Chase

A deserted scene in Wanchese where a dramatic police chase took place, highlighting the quietness of the fishing community amidst chaos.

News Summary

A fishing charter captain in Wanchese, North Carolina, led law enforcement on a dramatic 20-mile chase following a traffic stop gone wrong. Armed and dangerous, he fired shots at officers before fleeing into the woods. He was eventually captured the next morning, leaving the tight-knit community shaken and reflecting on safety and vigilance.

Wanchese On Edge: Fishing Charter Captain Arrested After Wild Police Pursuit

In a startling turn of events that could easily be a script for a movie thriller, the small town of Wanchese, North Carolina, found itself in the middle of a real-life chase that had all the ingredients of drama: a fishing charter captain, police pursuit, and even some gunfire. It’s a story that has captivated locals and raises serious questions about safety and community vigilance.

A Routine Traffic Stop Goes Awry

The drama unfolded when law enforcement from the Dare County Sheriff’s Office initiated a simple traffic stop around 4:30 p.m. on a seemingly normal day. However, Preston Mertes, a fishing charter captain known for running The Provider, chose to evade law enforcement, kicking off a police chase that would span nearly 20 miles. The chase took participants across the picturesque Wright Memorial Bridge on U.S. Route 158, where everything escalated quickly.

High-Speed Chase and Crash

Despite law enforcement deploying stop sticks in an attempt to thwart the pursuit, Mertes maintained his escape plan—at least until he swerved off the road and crashed into a ditch near Macedonia Church Road. There was a palpable sigh of relief from law enforcement when the car finally came to a halt, but the situation was far from over.

Armed and Dangerous

Exiting his vehicle, Mertes was armed with what authorities described as a “rifle type weapon.” In a shocking twist, he allegedly pointed the firearm at deputies and fired five shots. Thankfully, no officers were injured during this terrifying encounter. Following the gunfire, Mertes took off again, this time diving into the nearby woods, which sent local law enforcement scrambling.

Community Alert System Activated

In light of the unfolding situation, the Currituck County Sheriff’s Office wasted no time in alerting local residents and schools that an “armed and dangerous man” was on the loose. The alert served as an important reminder for community vigilance. However, authorities did note that they did not believe Mertes posed a direct threat to local schools, easing concerns for many parents and staff. Nevertheless, additional patrols were planned at schools as a precautionary measure.

A Capture at Dawn

Fast forward to the following morning, and the story takes yet another twist. Mertes was apprehended after a foot chase and a brief physical confrontation with law enforcement. His capture came after the community had spent an anxious night wondering about their safety. Once in custody, Mertes was taken to the hospital for evaluation, leaving many to wonder what could have led to such reckless behavior.

Who is Preston Mertes?

For those who may not know, Preston Mertes is not just any bow and arrow type fisherman; he’s the captain of The Provider, a popular charter boat known for targeting large game fish like marlins and tunas. The boat even has a fascinating history, having hosted former President Jimmy Carter and his family during a fishing trip while he was in office. This adds another layer to the narrative—who would have imagined that this once-celebrated captain would find himself in such dire straits?

The Aftermath: Community Reflection

As the dust settles on this chaotic incident, residents of Wanchese and the surrounding areas are left reflecting on how quickly normalcy can turn into chaos. With an active police presence and heightened community awareness, one can only hope that such events remain rare in this tight-knit fishing community. Let this event serve as a reminder that everyone should stay aware and keep an eye out for one another, because you never know when things might take a unexpected twist.