x
Breaking News
More () »

He led police on a Charlotte chase for nearly two hours, and created questions on how that could happen

CMPD said they were in accordance with their policies even as the suspect weaved around other vehicles at high speed and even, at times, traveled the wrong way.

Meilin Tompkins, Sarah Beckman, Vanessa Ruffes (WCNC), James Brierton (WCNC), Chloe Leshner (WCNC), Michelle Boudin

Play Video

Close Video

Published: 12:40 PM EDT July 6, 2022
Updated: 12:53 PM EDT July 8, 2022

A reckless chase that lasted around two hours all over the city of Charlotte ended in a violent crash in the city's South End neighborhood Wednesday afternoon. 

The incident started as a residential breaking and entering call where the suspect -- identified as 26-year-old Tyler Christopher Harding -- allegedly stole his first vehicle of the day, Charlotte-Mecklenburg police said. During the chase, the suspect stole three additional vehicles, including one he's accused of carjacking after a crash near the popular Ballantyne Hotel. 

For nearly two hours, Harding drove erratically across Mecklenburg County, North Carolina and, for a brief period, crossed into South Carolina.

Aerial video of the chase showed the suspect weaving in and out of traffic, driving over curbs and on sidewalks, and going the wrong way multiple times.

CMPD records show Harding is from Elgin, Texas. 

Credit: Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office
Tyler Christopher Harding, of Elgin, Texas, is facing multiple charges in connection with a chase that lasted two hours in Charlotte on July 7.

Harding was booked early Thursday morning and charged with:

  • Four counts of vehicle theft
  • Three felony counts of larceny of a motor vehicle
  • One misdemeanor count of vehicle larceny
  • Second-degree burglary
  • Two counts of felony hit-and-run
  • Breaking and entering
  • Possession of a stolen vehicle. 

CMPD said he has felony arrest history from Texas and was new to the Charlotte area.

Harding's sister, Christa Brooke Harding, also of Elgin, Texas, was charged with possession of a stolen vehicle for her involvement in a portion of Wednesday's incidents. She appeared in court Thursday.

Tyler Harding made his first appearance in court Friday. A judge increased his total bond amount to $800,000. Harding is scheduled to return to court for a bond hearing on July 21 and a probable cause hearing on July 28.

Before You Leave, Check This Out