Swain County -- July 22, 2026: A Swain County man is facing multiple felony and traffic charges after authorities say he led law enforcement on a high-speed pursuit that ended in a crash in neighboring Jackson County.
According to the Swain County Sheriff's Office, deputies attempted to take William Lon Wiggins into custody on July 21, 2026, in connection with suspected felony domestic violence offenses. Investigators said Wiggins fled after deputies attempted a traffic stop.
Because of the seriousness of the suspected offenses and reported threats made toward the alleged victim, deputies continued the pursuit in an effort to safely take Wiggins into custody.
During the chase, deputies notified Swain County Dispatch and requested assistance from the Jackson County Sheriff's Office, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, and the Cherokee Indian Police Department.
Authorities said Wiggins traveled into Jackson County along U.S. 19/23, where speeds reportedly ranged between 90 and 130 miles per hour. The pursuit ended after Wiggins was involved in a single-vehicle crash.
Law enforcement officers and emergency personnel immediately provided medical care at the scene before Wiggins was transported to Mission Hospital in Asheville. Officials said he was later released with minor injuries.
After his release from the hospital, Wiggins was booked into the Swain County Detention Center.
He has been charged with:
Four felony counts of violating a domestic violence protective order
Felony fleeing to elude arrest with a motor vehicle
Reckless driving
Stoplight violation
Improper passing on the right
Speeding
Failure to maintain lane control
Unsafe lane change
The Swain County Sheriff's Office thanked the Jackson County Sheriff's Office, the Sylva Police Department, and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol for their assistance during the incident.
The investigation remains ongoing. Officials said additional information will be released if it becomes available and doing so will not compromise the investigation.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.