Kidnapping suspect arrested after Guilford County crash ends police chase

A kidnapping suspect was taken into custody near Huffine Mill Road after a late-night chase crossed into Guilford County and ended in a crash at I-840, leaving the victim safe inside the vehicle.

Burlington police identified the suspect as Jazmin Hayes, 36, of Durham. Officers said Burlington Communications received a lookout alert at about 10:03 p.m. on April 8 after a westbound vehicle on Interstate 40 was connected to an abduction in Cary, where the victim was reportedly being threatened with a firearm.

Police located the vehicle near Exit 138 on I-40 westbound about 15 minutes later, at about 10:18 p.m. When officers tried to stop it, the driver fled and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol took over the pursuit. The chase continued into Guilford County and ended about 10:28 p.m. when the vehicle crashed while trying to exit I-840 at Huffine Mill Road.

Burlington police said Hayes ran from the crash scene, but a K-9 unit quickly tracked her down and apprehended her. The victim was found safe inside the car. Investigators said the victim and Hayes knew each other and that a verbal dispute escalated until a gun was pointed at the victim. No shots were fired during the incident, and no shots were fired at police officers.

Hayes was charged with felony fleeing to elude, resisting, delaying and obstructing an officer, and false imprisonment. She was transported to the Guilford County Detention Center and held without bond. The case put a fast-moving, multi-agency law-enforcement response on display, with Burlington officers, the State Highway Patrol and a K-9 unit working across county lines before the pursuit ended on one of Guilford County’s busiest commuter corridors.

Burlington police asked anyone with information to call 336-229-3500 or Alamance County-Wide Crime Stoppers at 336-229-7100, or submit an anonymous tip through the P3 Tips app.