Armed Suspect Arrested After High-Speed Vehicle Pursuit

Cherokee County Sheriff's Office

Press Release

On November 14, 2025, members of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Murphy Police Department, and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol were conducting a traffic checking station at the intersection of E US-64 and Harshaw Connector when a driver attempted to evade law enforcement.

As the vehicle approached the checkpoint, the driver executed an aggressive U-turn and fled at a high rate of speed. A Trooper and Deputy initiated a pursuit as the suspect continued to disregard commands to stop. During the chase, the driver entered oncoming traffic on W US-64 and made multiple U-turns in an attempt to evade capture, creating significant danger to the public.

The pursuit ended when the suspect’s vehicle was involved in a collision. The driver then fled on foot into a wooded area near the local urgent care facility. Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and Cherokee County Emergency Management deployed drones utilizing thermal imaging, successfully locating the suspect within the wooded terrain. A Trooper and Deputy entered the area and apprehended the individual, identified as Joshua Nuttall of Concord, NC. A firearm was also recovered at the scene.

Nuttall faces multiple charges, including:

• Felony Flee to Elude Arrest with a Motor Vehicle

• Felony Possession of Firearm by Felon

• Driving While Impaired

• Reckless Driving to Endanger

• Driving While License Revoked

• Leaving the Scene of an Accident

Nuttall is currently being held at the Cherokee County Detention Center under a $40,000.00 secured bond.

Sheriff Dustin Smith commended the swift, coordinated actions of all agencies involved. “Their teamwork and dedication ensured that this dangerous offender was quickly removed from our streets,” Sheriff Smith stated.

All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.