Yesterday afternoon, a Charlotte man drove himself and 2 passengers into a private pond in Union County after a high-speed police chase involving multiple squad cars and CMPD’s ‘Snoopy’ police helicopter.
The chase began just after 4 pm as CMPD officers were pursuing what they believed to be a stolen vehicle. When they crossed into Union County, several Union County Sheriff’s deputies also joined the chase.
The driver turned down a private road in Indian Trail and began circling a pond before losing control and going for a “swim in the pond”.
The driver of the “water taxi” has since been identified as 48-year-old Ward Baxter Weiland. Weiland is now being charged with multiple counts of Habitual Felon, Felony Speeding to Elude, Driving while Impaired, Possession of Stolen Goods, and several other driving-related charges.
The male passenger, 62-year-old Armond Dewayne Douglas, was also taken into custody on outstanding warrants. The Union County Sheriff’s office also noted; “the female occupant of the water taxi was released and does not face charges.”