SALISBURY — A man with multiple outstanding warrants on charges that include first-degree kidnapping was arrested following a car chase on Wednesday that started in Salisbury and ended in Charlotte. 

Kevin Antonio Smith Jr., 25, was arrested Wednesday, Aug. 14 and faces additional charges after the chase. According to a statement from the Salisbury Police Department public information officer Major Justin Crews, at approximately 3:28 p.m., detectives found Smith at a store on West Jake Alexander Boulevard in Salisbury. Officers tried to arrest him on outstanding warrants for a series of felony charges, including first-degree kidnapping, robbery with a dangerous weapon, child abuse and possession of a firearm by a felon, along with several traffic violations.

But when detectives tried to approach Smith, he got in a car and drove away, kicking off a pursuit that ultimately involved multiple law enforcement agencies. The pursuit spanned several counties, including Rowan, Cabarrus and Mecklenburg, and reportedly Smith reached speeds of 130 mph in a 65 mph zone before the chase ended in Charlotte where Smith jumped out of the car and ran. After a short foot chase, he was arrested without further incident.

No one was hurt in the incident.

Smith’s charges stem from incidents across Rowan, Iredell and Forsyth counties. He now faces additional charges related to the chase, including felony flee to elude, possession of a stolen vehicle, speeding (130 mph in a 65 mph zone), reckless driving and driving with a revoked license. 

“The Salisbury Police Department commends the efforts of all officers and agencies involved in this operation for their professionalism and commitment to public safety,” Crews said in the statement. 

Anyone with additional information concerning these cases or the suspect is encouraged to Sgt. McElveen of the Salisbury Police Department at 704-216-2710.