Charlotte, January 8, 2026
A Charlotte man, Hadari Williams, was arrested following a perilous high-speed chase that crossed multiple counties, reaching speeds over 100 mph. The chase, initiated by the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, began on I-485 in Mecklenburg County and ended with Williams surrendering in a Rowan County parking lot. He now faces several serious felony charges, including fleeing to elude law enforcement and possession of a firearm. This event raises concerns about public safety during high-speed pursuits.
Charlotte Man Arrested After Multi-County High-Speed Chase
Charlotte, North Carolina – A Charlotte man was apprehended on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, following a dangerous high-speed chase that spanned from Mecklenburg County into Rowan County, ultimately ending with his surrender in a public parking lot. Hadari Williams, 31, faces multiple felony charges after leading law enforcement on a pursuit that reportedly reached speeds over 100 miles per hour.
Details of the Pursuit
The incident began around 11 a.m. on Wednesday when North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP) troopers attempted to stop a white Mercedes-Benz SUV on I-485 Inner in Mecklenburg County. The vehicle, driven by Williams, was observed traveling at 103 miles per hour in a 70 mph zone, prompting the initiation of the pursuit.
Williams reportedly refused to comply with the troopers’ signals to stop, accelerating and leading authorities on an extensive chase. The pursuit traversed through various parts of Charlotte, including the Plaza Midwood area, before merging onto Independence Boulevard and then onto Interstate 85 North.
During the pursuit, law enforcement utilized multiple resources to track Williams. Although troopers momentarily lost sight of the speeding SUV, a helicopter from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) provided crucial aerial assistance, maintaining surveillance along I-85 North until ground units could resume the chase.
The high-speed chase posed significant risks to public safety. Williams was observed driving recklessly, including running red lights, driving on the wrong side of the road, and weaving dangerously through traffic. At one point, the vehicle nearly struck a construction worker who was blocking a lane near Plaza Midwood.
A collision occurred on I-85 involving one of the pursuing state troopers and another vehicle. Authorities confirmed that thankfully, no injuries were reported from this crash. Despite the collision, Williams continued to evade capture. The entire chase covered a distance of nearly 40 miles across county lines.
Conclusion and Charges
The chase concluded in Rowan County when Williams pulled his SUV into a Lowe’s parking lot on Innes Street in Salisbury, where he subsequently surrendered to law enforcement just after noon. He was then taken into custody without further incident. Some reports suggest Williams’ vehicle may have run out of gas, contributing to the end of the pursuit.
Following his arrest, Hadari Williams was charged with several offenses, including felony flee to elude, hit and run, and possession of a firearm by a felon. These charges reflect the gravity of his actions during the multi-county pursuit.
Background and Prior Incidents
Investigations into Williams’ history have revealed a pattern of similar behavior. Court records indicate that Williams has been involved in comparable incidents in the past. In 2020, he faced charges of felony hit and run and felony eluding in Strasburg, Virginia. Furthermore, he has pending charges in Cabarrus County for driving without a license. Williams has also reportedly been involved in high-speed chases in other states, including Maryland and Virginia. These past incidents underscore the repeated nature of his alleged attempts to evade law enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What happened on Wednesday, January 7, 2026?
- A Charlotte man, Hadari Williams, 31, was arrested after a high-speed chase that started in Mecklenburg County and ended in Rowan County on Wednesday, January 7, 2026.
- Who was involved in the high-speed chase?
- The primary individual involved was 31-year-old Hadari Williams of Charlotte, who was driving a white Mercedes-Benz SUV. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol and a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department helicopter were also involved in the pursuit.
- Where did the chase begin and end?
- The chase began around 11 a.m. on I-485 Inner in Mecklenburg County (Charlotte) and concluded in a Lowe’s parking lot on Innes Street in Salisbury, Rowan County.
- What were the charges against Hadari Williams?
- Hadari Williams was charged with felony flee to elude, hit and run, and possession of a firearm by a felon.
- Were there any injuries during the chase?
- A collision occurred on I-85 between one of the pursuing state troopers and another car, but authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported from this crash.
- What was the approximate speed of the vehicle during the chase?
- Troopers recorded Hadari Williams driving a white Mercedes-Benz SUV at 103 mph in a 70 mph zone at the start of the pursuit.
Key Details of the High-Speed Chase
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | Wednesday, January 7, 2026 |
| Suspect | Hadari Williams, 31, of Charlotte |
| Start Location | I-485 Inner, Mecklenburg County (Charlotte) |
| End Location | Lowe’s parking lot, Salisbury, Rowan County |
| Vehicle Involved | White Mercedes-Benz SUV |
| Initial Speed Recorded | 103 mph in a 70 mph zone |
| Agencies Involved | North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP), Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) helicopter |
| Charges Filed | Felony flee to elude, hit and run, possession of a firearm by a felon |
| Collision During Chase | Trooper’s vehicle and another car on I-85 (no injuries) |
| Chase Distance | Nearly 40 miles |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
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