Chase reached 120 mph

Andrews – Officers responding to a reported domestic disturbance July 10 ended up in hot pursuit of a suspect. 

Robbinsville resident Teresa Gail Orr led authorities on a two-county chase, after fleeing a residence at 510 Old Highway 129 when officers attempted to talk with Orr after reaching the home. Orr jumpstarted the pursuit after reaching Rodney Orr Bypass (U.S. 129). 

Speeds during the chase reached 120 mph, according to a release from the Graham County Sheriff’s Office. Personnel from the N.C. Highway Patrol, Andrews Police Department and Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office eventually joined the effort to end the pursuit, when the vehicle Orr was driving was halted after crossing spike strips deployed by Cherokee County personnel near Sulpher Lane on U.S. 19/74 in Topton, just moments before the chase was set to reach the four-lane highway in Andrews.

Orr was soon taken into custody without incident. Charges are still being compiled by both Cherokee and Graham counties, but included thus far are felony flee to elude, driving while impaired, careless and reckless driving, as well as resist/delay/obstruct. Orr also racked up 10 different traffic violations. Thankfully, no one was injured in the 15-minute, 18.1-mile pursuit. 

“The quick and coordinated response by our officers and partnering agencies ensured that a dangerous situation was resolved without harm to the community,” Graham County Sheriff Brad Hoxit said.