Gas station robbery near Boone leads to chase, deputy shot in Tennessee

WATAUGA COUNTY, N.C. — A man is accused of robbing a gas station near Boone before leading officers on a chase and shooting a deputy in Tennessee.

According to the Watauga County Sheriff’s Office, the incident started at the Quality Plus Gas Station on Highway 321.

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The suspect is accused of crashing their vehicle just over the state line near Mountain City, Tennessee.

That is where investigators said the suspect fired shots at deputies with the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office. During that exchange, one deputy was struck by gunfire.

The suspect has been identified as 41-year-old Joey Allen Ponce of Ashe County. Ponce is facing several charges, including felony robbery with a dangerous weapon and attempted murder.

Officials said the deputy who was shot is in stable condition. However, the status of the suspect is unknown at the time.

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