Raleigh, NC – A 21-year-old man from Raleigh is facing a long list of serious charges — and potentially up to 52 years in prison — after allegedly ramming police cruisers, leading officers on a high-speed chase, and triggering an hours-long SWAT standoff earlier this month.
Multi-Day Crime Spree Unfolds Across Raleigh
The suspect, Elmer Bautista-Candela, appeared in court Thursday, where a judge set his bond at $750,000, citing his potential danger to the public and a prior history of missing court appearances. Prosecutors outlined a multi-day pursuit that started with a stolen tool incident and escalated into violent confrontations with law enforcement.
The chain of events began on Saturday, Aug. 17, when police responded to Thistlebrook Court for a car break-in. Bautista-Candela allegedly stole $700 worth of construction tools, then rammed his red pickup truck head-on into a Raleigh police cruiser and sideswiped another vehicle, injuring one officer’s leg in the process.
WakeMed Connection Leads to Identification
Authorities were able to identify Bautista-Candela through surveillance footage and records from WakeMed Hospital, where he’s also facing pending charges for attempting to steal a motorcycle in a June 27th incident.
“Video footage was circulated, and a WakeMed officer recognized him from a prior motorcycle theft,” prosecutors told the court. “This connection proved instrumental in building a case against the suspect.”
High-Speed Chase Reaches 115 MPH
On Aug. 21, officers attempted to arrest Bautista-Candela at a location on Solar Drive. Instead, he reportedly stole another truck and initiated a high-speed chase, reaching 115 mph in a 45-mph zone. During the pursuit, he allegedly crashed into multiple vehicles before ditching the truck and fleeing on foot…