Afternoon chase involving deputies ends with two men arrested in New Hanover County

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Two men have been arrested after they led authorities on a chase in New Hanover County Wednesday afternoon, deputies say.

The New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office received a tip that 21-year-old fugitive Adam Michael Clodfelter, wanted out of Randolph County, could be in the Wilmington area based on a previous home address.

“They believed he might be down here, so we started searching for him today,” NHSO Lt. Jerry Brewer said.

Deputies located Clodfelter in a vehicle near that address around 2:30 p.m. Wednesday and attempted to pull him over. He sped off into the Breezewood condominium complex.

Brewer says the car drove between two condo buildings, hit a mulch embankment, and blew out multiple tires.

Resident Lorraine Wenner saw the events unfold right behind her home.

“He came speeding right through the common area and came to a screeching halt,” Wenner said. “Two young men with ballcaps jumped out of the car and they go ‘let’s go this way.'”

Clodfelter and a passenger ran off toward the Echo Farms neighborhood, where they were caught and arrested. Several weapons were also recovered.

“He had that we know of, body armor in the car, handgun in the car, handgun that he threw off the side of the road, and three cases in the back that once we inventory, we’ll find out whether or not those had guns in them,” Brewer said.

Clodfelter was wanted out of Randolph County and had more than 20 outstanding warrants including felonies and multiple breaking and enterings.

Deputies have not released the name of the other suspect.

Wenner says neighbors often walk their pets through that courtyard where the car chase came to an end, and she’s thankful nobody got hurt.

“If it had been a busy time, it’s kind of scary to think what would have happened if somebody had been walking there,” Wenner said.

During the pursuit, Codington Elementary School issued a shelter-in-place for students and staff. That has since been lifted.

Clodfelter is being held in the New Hanover County Jail on a $110,000 bond.