Asheville, North Carolina – A jury has found Ancil Kenny Edmonds, 41, guilty of felony flee to elude arrest and eight related traffic violations after a high-speed chase. The three-day trial concluded with the conviction, which also declared Edmonds a habitual felon. Buncombe County District Attorney Todd Williams announced the verdict. Edmonds was sentenced by Superior Court Judge Nathaniel J. Poovey to serve an active prison term of 64 to 89 months.
During the trial, the state presented evidence that on January 17, 2023, North Carolina Highway Patrol State Trooper Dalton Ledford detected Edmonds’ vehicle traveling at 104 mph in a 60 mph zone on I-26. Ledford attempted to pull over the vehicle, but Edmonds continued to flee, driving onto I-240 and exiting at Amboy Road in Asheville. The pursuit continued on Meadow Road, reaching speeds up to 117 mph, as captured by Trooper Ledford’s in-car camera.
The chase came to a dramatic end at 9:59 p.m. when Edmonds lost control of his vehicle, veering off Meadow Road into the Swannanoa River. Ledford rescued Edmonds from the partially submerged vehicle and took him into custody. Edmonds received medical treatment at Mission Hospital following the incident.
Following Edmonds’ arrest, authorities discovered a Taurus .380 firearm wedged between the dash and windshield inside the vehicle. However, Edmonds was acquitted of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
The court sentenced Edmonds as a habitual felon due to his previous convictions. North Carolina state law mandates enhanced sentencing for habitual offenders who have been convicted of three felony offenses before committing a fourth felony offense. In 2014, Edmonds was previously convicted of felony flee to elude arrest for speeding at 121 mph in a 45 mph zone.
The guilty conviction and sentencing of Edmonds serve as a significant outcome in the pursuit of justice for his actions during the high-speed chase.