Raleigh Man Arrested After Hours-Long Standoff and Police Chase
RALEIGH, N.C. – A 21-year-old man has been taken into custody after an hours-long standoff and police chase that spanned multiple Raleigh neighborhoods, authorities confirmed Wednesday.
Chase Begins After Assault Call
Raleigh police said officers responded to reports of an assault on Solar Drive earlier in the day. When they attempted to detain the suspect, identified as Elmer Bautista Candela, he ran from the scene and stole a pickup truck.
During the chase, Candela reportedly struck another vehicle at the intersection of Yonkers Road and Raleigh Boulevard. No injuries were reported in the crash.
Standoff on Bashford Road
Police said the pursuit ended on Corporate Drive, where Candela abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot toward Bashford Road. Officers surrounded a home in the 100 block, where Candela barricaded himself for several hours before being arrested without incident.
Several other people were inside the residence at the time, though none were harmed or taken into custody. Investigators said they are still determining their connection to Candela.
Tied to Previous Police Assault
Authorities also linked Candela to a separate incident on August 16, when a suspect rammed a police vehicle with a pickup truck on Thistlebrook Court and fled. Police now believe Candela was responsible for that attack.
Candela already had outstanding warrants for assault by strangulation, injury to personal property, and attempted larceny, officials confirmed.
Next Steps in Case
Raleigh police said additional charges are expected following Wednesday’s chase and standoff. The Wake County Sheriff’s Office and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol assisted in the operation.
Candela remains in custody as the investigation continues.
Residents in Raleigh affected by the incident or concerned about rising neighborhood crime are invited to share their thoughts and experiences at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
