Perfume Heist Turns High-Speed Chase: Suspect Crashes in Charlotte

The suspect attempted to steal over $2,300 in perfumes and colognes

Crime and justice concept, police vehicles — Source: Douglas Sacha / Getty

A North Carolina man’s attempt to steal thousands of dollars’ worth of perfume ended in a dramatic high-speed chase and crash in Charlotte.

Authorities say Travis Eugene Cuthbertson, 35, was arrested Wednesday after smashing a locked display case at a Walgreens in Belmont, stealing over $2,300 in perfumes and colognes. He stuffed the stolen goods into a backpack and took off in a 2017 Chevrolet Equinox.

When police tried to stop him, Cuthbertson rammed a patrol car and sped off, leading officers on a chase that crossed into Charlotte. The pursuit ended at Old Pineville Road and Archdale Drive, where he crashed into two cars before trying to escape on foot. Officers caught him, bringing the chase to an end.

Cuthbertson now faces multiple felony charges, including larceny, assault on an officer, and fleeing police.