GASTON, NC -- On January 27, 2012, Gaston County Officers were assisting the York County Sheriff’s Office in locating Sam Peden Harrington,  who was wanted for 1st Degree Burglary and was considered armed and dangerous. Detectives responded to the Super 8 Motel located at 500 Cox Rd., Gastonia, NC after receiving information that Mr. Harrington might be there. When Detectives approached Mr. Harrington he fled the area in his 1997 Lincoln Continental, striking a Gaston County Police vehicle.

Officers from the Gaston County Police Department, the Gaston County Sheriff’s Office and Ranlo Police Department pursued the vehicle through Spencer Mountain to Hickory Grove Road. As Mr. Harrington approached the intersection of Hickory Lane Drive his vehicle collided with an oncoming vehicle causing both vehicles to crash. Mr. Harrington fled on foot but was arrested by Officers who pursued him through several yards. The occupants of the other vehicle were transported to Gaston Memorial Hospital for treatment.   

Detectives conducted a search of Mr. Harrington’s motel room and discovered evidence which linked him to two residential break-in’s which occurred earlier in the day on Killian Road in Gaston County.

Mr. Harrington faces additional charges from the Gaston County Police Department for the damages, pursuit and break-in’s, as well as charges from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol for the vehicle accident.