BPD Chases Tractor

We reported earlier that on January 17, a man driving a stolen John Deere tractor struck pedestrians and vehicles in Boone, North Carolina, before leading police on a low-speed pursuit.

Stop sticks were used to disable the tractor’s front tires, but an officer had to use his service weapon to disable the much thicker rear tires.  The suspect, Ronnie K. Hicks, 43, rammed a police vehicle and brandished a knife before being apprehended with the use of a Taser. According to a press release, Hicks has been officially charged with multiple offenses including assault with a deadly weapon, driving while impaired, and fleeing to elude arrest. The tractor was stolen and additional charges may be filed. No injuries were reported.  Mr. Hicks was placed under a $50,000 secured bond awaiting his day in court on March 10, 2023.