The deputy confirmed Suttles had several existing felony warrants and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. Suttles refused to stop and continued driving westbound on U.S. 23/74 toward the Haywood/Jackson line.

The Waynesville Police Department immediately assisted and additional aid was requested from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. Several minutes into the pursuit, Suttles intentionally drove into oncoming traffic and continued driving westbound in the eastbound lanes of U.S. 23/74. He struck a vehicle in a head-on collision resulting in the death of one of the passengers in the victim’s vehicle and the injury of two others.

Suttles was taken by ambulance to Mission Hospital where he was treated and released. He is being held in the Haywood County Detention Center under no bond.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragedy that occurred yesterday evening when Mr. Suttles made his choice to intentionally drive the wrong way on a highway which led to the crash that took the life of an innocent person,” said Haywood Sheriff Greg Christopher. “Suttles’ choices have changed the lives of the innocent, their families, and everyone else involved in this incident to include the law enforcement officers and first responders that assisted. Choices like the one Suttles made tear at the very core of our society. If he had complied with the law when requested by law enforcement to stop his vehicle on the shoulder of the road, this tragedy would have been avoided. Our sincere prayers are with the families of the victims. Rest assured, this case will be brought to justice.”

Suttles was charged with two counts of Trafficking in Methamphetamine; six counts of Felony Failure to Appear; Misdemeanor Failure to Appear and Fleeing to Elude Arrest. More charges could be pending.