WIZS News was sending out a Facebook Live video this afternoon about record rainfall in the local area when suddenly part of a local law enforcement foot chase unfolded in front of the camera. WIZS staff witnessed at least two deputies pursuing the suspect on foot with their guns drawn.
According to an eyewitness, who was standing outside the Vance County Magistrate Office, a man fled the Magistrate’s Office on foot at about 3:10 p.m. on Friday, December 28. According to the eyewitness, the suspect put himself into the position of nearly being struck by a Henderson Police Department vehicle while he was fleeing across Chestnut Street.
The eyewitness’ description of the suspect turned out to be spot on. WIZS News chose not to show the suspect on video as he was being returned to the Magistrate’s Office a short time later. He was, however, in plain view and easily seen.
Before 3:20 p.m. on Friday, the suspect was taken back into the Magistrate’s Office, meaning his flight, the pursuit and his capture and return all happened in less than 10 minutes of elapsed time. As it was, a uniformed person with the Vance County Sheriff’s Office was seen bringing the suspect into the Magistrate’s Office.
Shortly after the incident, Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame confirmed that the suspect was Orrie Williams who was being brought in to the Magistrate’s Office by his bail bondsman to review his bond. Upon hearing that his bond was set at $40,000, Williams fled the scene.
Williams was originally brought in for failure to appear on two outstanding warrants for arrest, including charges of Driving While Impaired, Breaking and Entering and Felony Larceny After Breaking and Entering.
Brame told WIZS News by phone that he was pleased with the “quick response and a good job by the deputies of the Vance County Sheriff’s Office.”