RALEIGH, N.C. -- After a teen rammed a patrol car Wednesday, he led officers on a two-hour chase across a southern Wake golf course that involved four law enforcement agencies, a bloodhound named Ruby, a helicopter and, finally, a squadron of golf carts.
Michael Raymond Schumpelt, 16, was arrested about 5 p.m. between the fifth and sixth holes. He had been pursued by sheriff's deputies, state troopers, and Fuquay-Varina and Garner police officers, said Phyllis Stephens, sheriff's office spokeswoman.
The chase began about 3:15 p.m. when Deputy Vicki Britt was flagged down about a suspicious vehicle behind Poplar Springs Christian Church on Old Stage Road. When Britt went to investigate, Schumpelt rammed her car with his 1998 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, disabling the cruiser, Stephens said.
After hearing Britt's radio call for backup, a state trooper spotted Schumpelt's car and gave chase. The teen eventually stopped his car on Ten-Ten Road and fled on foot across Eagle Ridge Golf Club, Stephens said. Schumpelt's home address is listed as 1027 Skyview Drive, on the other side of the course.
Police established a perimeter around the course. They called for the dog and brought in a helicopter. Eventually, they realized they needed vehicles suited to the terrain.
They commandeered golf carts from players on the course and from the club, said John Yancy, head golf professional at Eagle Ridge Golf Club. Top speed of the Club Car carts is 12 to 15 mph, according to Ken Kilgroe, the club's restaurant manager. He said they used about eight of the GPS-equipped carts.
"He led them all over this golf course," Yancy said.
The commotion disrupted the Wednesday afternoon golfers, Yancy said. "You don't know how dangerous it is, and that's the scary part," he said.
Finally, Stephens said, 4-year-old Ruby found Schumpelt in the woods, with some help from her handler, Deputy J. Johnson.
It's not the first time Schumpelt has had a run-in with the law. Court records show he pleaded guilty to felony attempted breaking-and-entering in July.
Schumpelt was still being processed Wednesday evening and had not been charged with any crime, Stephens said.
News researcher Lamara Williams contributed to this report.