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GATESVILLE – Three men were arrested following a vehicle and foot chase near here Oct. 3.

Gates County Sheriff Ray Campbell identified the men as Stephen Ackerman, Kashawn Smith, and Mark Claudio.

Ackerman was charged with Felony Identity Theft, Felony Possession with Intent to Sell and/or Deliver a Schedule VI Controlled Substance, Felony Maintaining a Vehicle for the Sell and/or Delivery of a Controlled Substance, and other misdemeanors.

Smith was charged with Felony Possession with Intent to Sell and/or Deliver a Schedule VI Controlled Substance, Felony Maintaining a Vehicle for the Sell and/or Delivery of a Controlled Substance, and other misdemeanors.

Claudio was charged with Felony Flee to Elude, Felony Possession with Intent to Sell and/or Deliver a Schedule VI Controlled Substance, Felony Maintaining a Vehicle for the Sell and/or Delivery of a Controlled Substance, and other misdemeanors.

Campbell said a Gates County deputy responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle in the area of Soney Lane, which is near the high school. Upon coming in contact with the vehicle, a pursuit ensued. The pursuit ended when the suspects wrecked at the corner of Clay Hill Road and US 158 East. The deputy began to chase the suspects on foot and quickly took one of them into custody.

Soon after, other law enforcement units arrived on scene and began to search for the other suspects. Multiple K-9 units were deployed and ultimately two more subjects were taken into custody.

Campbell noted that it’s believed that a fourth subject is still at large.

This matter is still under investigation and further charges may be pending. Those with information about the fourth suspect are asked to call the Gates County Sheriff’s Office at 252-357-0210. Callers can remain anonymous.

“We would like to extend our most sincere gratitude to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, NC Wildlife Resources Commission, Hertford County Sheriff’s Office, Gates County Rescue & EMS, Gates County Communications, North Carolina State Parks and Recreation, Ahoskie Police Department, North Carolina Department of Public Safety, and the Perquimans County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance with this matter,” Sheriff Campbell said.