ROCKINGHAM — A Cumberland County man is in the Orange County Jail after reportedly leading deputies on a chase through Richmond County on Tuesday.
According to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy assigned to the Traffic Safety Unit attempted to stop a blue 2013 Chevrolet Malibu for speeding on U.S. 1 near Richmond Pines Drive, north of Rockingham, around 3:11 p.m. Nov. 25.
The driver, later identified as 22-year-old Maleki Capone Haywood, of Hope Mills, was allegedly traveling 69 mph in a 45 mph zone.
Haywood reportedly refused to stop and turned onto McDonald Church Road, which led to the pursuit. The driver then reportedly turned left onto Scott McDonald Road, “accelerating above the posted speed limit,” then right onto Graham Bridge Road before turning around and eventually onto Ledbetter Road and back to U.S. 1.
According to the sheriff’s office, assisting deputies deployed stop sticks at the intersection with Mount Olive Church Road.
A video posted to social media Tuesday afternoon shows the deputy throwing out the strip, and a blue car swerving to the right to avoid the spikes.
The sheriff’s office says Haywood lost control of the car, struck a utility pole, and came “ to an uncontrolled rest against some trees.”
Haywood reportedly exited the car and “began complaining of pain.” The aforementioned video shows a man on the ground behind the car after the dust settles.
EMS responded to the scene and Haywood was airlifted to UNC Hospitals for treatment, according to the sheriff’s office. He was reportedly released several hours later and booked into the Orange County Jail.
Inside the car, deputies reportedly found a Glock model 43 handgun, a set of digital scales, and 94 grams (3.3 ounces) of marijuana.
Records with the N.C. Department of Adult Correction show Haywood was released from prison Oct. 7 after serving time for a Cumberland County conviction on two counts of possession of a firearm by a felon, as well as a Hoke County conviction on one count of possession of a firearm by a felon and two counts of receiving or possessing a stolen firearm. His parole was set to end July 4, 2026.
The RCSO has charged Haywood with: possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver marijuana; possession of a firearm by a felon; and possession of marijuana paraphernalia.
In relation to the pursuit, Haywood is charged with: one felony count of fleeing to elude arrest with a motor vehicle; one misdemeanor count of failing to heed a light or siren, speeding, reckless driving to endanger, and reckless driving with wanton disregard and driving while license revoked.
Haywood was also cited with the following traffic infractions: two counts of failing to stop at a stop sign or flashing red light; failure to maintain lane control; and failure to wear a seat belt as a driver.
He is being held on a combined $17,500 secured bond and is scheduled to appear in court Dec. 8.
NOTE: Haywood was booked into the Richmond County Jail at 2:02 p.m. Nov. 26.
In addition to the aforementioned weapons convictions, records show that Haywood was convicted in 2022 on 18 counts of breaking entering vehicles, 10 counts of misdemeanor larceny, two counts of larceny of a motor vehicle and one count of possession of stolen goods in Cumberland County.
His probation was revoked later that year and Haywood was incarcerated for five months.
Haywood was also convicted in July on two counts of misdemeanor larceny in Moore County.
All defendants facing criminal charges are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
NOTE: This story has been updated to include the defendant's photo and that he was transferred to Richmond County. 2:46 p.m. 11-26-25.
