A Columbus County deputy reportedly spotted a stolen red 2024 Chevrolet Malibu on July 29 and, authorities say, 23-year-old Tori Vanette Langdon sped away on N.C. 87, triggering a pursuit that allegedly reached 100 mph. Part of the chase is said to have occurred inside a posted 55 mph work zone, where deputies allege she was driving about 80 mph, and she is accused of wrong-way driving, running a stop sign and entering closed roadways. Langdon faces 10 charges, including felony vehicle larceny and felony fleeing to elude; she was booked July 29 and is held on a $100,000 secured bond. Social media reaction focused heavily on her smiling mugshot, though the allegations remain pending in court.
Stolen Chevy Malibu Chase: Woman Allegedly Reached 100 MPH Through Highway Work Zone
Photo Columbus County Sheriff's Office
A Columbus County deputy says a reported vehicle theft on July 29 escalated into a dangerous high-speed pursuit when the suspected driver allegedly fled at triple-digit speeds and drove through an active highway work zone.
What Authorities Say Happened
According to the Columbus County Sheriff's Office, a deputy spotted a red 2024 Chevrolet Malibu that had been reported stolen and attempted a traffic stop on N.C. 87. Investigators allege 23-year-old Tori Vanette Langdon of Riegelwood refused to stop and sped away, triggering a pursuit.
Officials say the chase included speeds up to 100 mph, wrong-way driving, running a stop sign, and entering a roadway that had been closed and barricaded to traffic. Court records cited by WECT say part of the pursuit unfolded inside a posted 55 mph work zone, where deputies allege Langdon was traveling about 80 mph. The News Reporter additionally reported she drove around construction barriers and other traffic-control devices before officers ended the chase.
Charges and Booking
By the time deputies stopped the vehicle and took Langdon into custody, prosecutors say the single encounter resulted in a booking sheet listing 10 charges and several traffic violations. She faces felony larceny of a motor vehicle and felony fleeing to elude arrest with a motor vehicle. Additional allegations include reckless driving with wanton disregard, driving on a closed highway, operating without a license, resisting a public officer, speeding in a work zone, driving the wrong way on a dual-lane roadway, failing to stop at a stop sign, and failing to wear a seat belt.
Jail records show Langdon was booked by the Columbus County Sheriff's Office on July 29 at approximately 4:39 p.m. She remains in custody on a secured bond set at $100,000.
Public Reaction
A social media post sharing Langdon's booking information and mugshot drew dozens of comments. Many users focused on her smiling mugshot; some joked about her expression or compared it to fictional characters, and several commenters requested dashcam footage. Others expressed concern about the reported speeds and the danger posed by the pursuit through oncoming traffic and an active work zone. A few speculated about her mental state, though neither investigators nor court records have released information to support those claims.
Note: These are allegations. Langdon is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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