MURPHY, N.C. — Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced the April 25, 2018, arrest of Mason Kelly Nykolajcuyk, a 26-year-old Bradley County, Tennessee, fugitive who was captured following a lengthy chase in and around Murphy, North Carolina, during the noon-time hour.

A little after 11:30 a.m. April 25, 2018, Lt. Wood with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Investigation Division spotted a vehicle matching the description of a wanted vehicle, which had been involved in an incident in Polk County, Tennessee, the previous day during which a Polk County Deputy was stabbed. At the time, the vehicle was just west of Murphy on U.S. Hwy. 64 and headed west.

As Lt. Wood began following the vehicle to make an investigative stop, the vehicle pulled off the side of the road and then fled back east. During the chase, the vehicle reached speeds above 80 mph often times in crowded business areas as well as in residential areas, which included an elementary school. Additionally, the driver was driving erratically, which included driving in the east bound lane of U.S. Hwy. 19 near the Murphy High School into oncoming traffic, and at times almost struck pedestrians in the area as well as striking two law enforcement vehicles and attempting to strike other law enforcement vehicles.

At one point in the chase, a unit from Murphy Police Department set up and deployed stop sticks, which damaged one or two of the vehicle’s tires; however, Nykolajcuyk continued his high speed flight. Shortly after Nykolajcuyk entered a small two-lane road in the Texana Community of Cherokee County, Lt. Wood was able to utilize a pit maneuver to disable the vehicle, at which time Nykolajcuyk was captured.

Nykolajcuyk is currently incarcerated in the Cherokee County Detention Center. Nykolajcuyk is charged with Felony Fleeing to Elude Arrest, Felony Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer, and Possession of a Stolen Motor Vechile. Nykolajcuyk is currently under a $100,000 secure bond and has a hold placed on him for pending out of state charges.

Sheriff Derrick Palmer stated, “Outstanding work and cooperation bringing a very dangerous situation to a safe closure. We appreciate the cooperation of Murphy Police Department.”

To report suspicious activity and suspect violations of the law, please call 828-837-3144 or submit a tip at [email protected].