Carjacking in Mars Hill
Prayers are with Teresa Ramsay for a speedy and full recovery.
USPS carrier Teresa Ramsay was the victim of a carjacking in Mars Hill on September 5, 2023 while she was delivering mail.
The Town of Mars Hill appreciates the assistance and partnership with the US Postal Inspection Service, and our other state, county, and federal partners in the effort to bring the suspect to justice and bring peace back to our community. Prayers are with our friend and neighbor, Teresa Ramsay, for her speedy and full recovery.
The suspect, Jaden Garay, 23, of Florida, was apprehended in Burke County. He is in custody at the Madison County Jail and is being charged with attempted first-degree murder.
Press Release from Sheriff Banks Hinceman, Burke County Sheriff’s Office –
On September 5, 2023, at approximately 7:23 PM Burke County Communications advised Burke County Sheriff’s Office of a high-speed chase that was occurring in McDowell County and was about to enter Burke County on I-40. Marion Police Department was in pursuit of a grey Jeep traveling at speeds of 90 miles per hour.
During the chase law enforcement deployed stop sticks that deflated two of the Jeep’s tires. The Jeep exited I-40 at Burkemont Ave and traveled onto Williams Road. The Jeep traveled to the end of Williams Road and crossed over a private field where the driver, a white male, jumped out and ran into a wooded area.
Law enforcement was advised that the vehicle was stolen, and the driver was a person of interest in a felonious assault that had occurred in Madison County. The driver was considered armed and dangerous. Law enforcement set up a containment perimeter along the wooded area, I-40, Enola Road, Walker Road, Pete Brittian Road, and the property of J. Iverson Riddle Center.
Burke County Sheriff’s Office used a drone to search the wooded area and the North Carolina Highway Patrol enhanced the aerial search with their helicopter. On September 6 at 4:24 a.m., troopers with the North Carolina Highway noticed a white male appearing to look into cars in the parking area of one of the cottages on the property of J. Iverson Riddle Center. When the troopers approached the man, he ran away from the troopers with what appeared to be gun in his hand, across the campus.
Law enforcement adjusted the perimeter based on the new information. Troopers on I-40 saw the man run across I-40 running toward Government Drive. Law enforcement adjusted the perimeter with new information. At 4:57 a.m., the male was spotted in the field across from the Burke County Jail on Government Drive. The man was taken into custody by law enforcement at 5:00 a.m.
All inquiries should be directed to Sheriff Buddy Harwood of Madison County at (828) 649-2721, and/or Jessica Adams, US Postal Inspector, at (704) 329-9138.
