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Brazilian man arrested after car chase in North Carolina, accused of leading terrorist organizations

Jun 15, 2026 · Mooresville, NC, Brazil

Brazilian man arrested after car chase in North Carolina, accused of leading terrorist organizations

Felipe Linares de Oliveira Dell Aquilla, a Brazilian noncitizen, was arrested on June 5, 2026, during a traffic stop in Mooresville, North Carolina. According to law enforcement, he was a commander of two Brazil-based organizations designated as foreign terrorist organizations and held an international arrest warrant from Brazil for criminal association and extortion. During the traffic stop, Aquilla attempted to flee in his vehicle, leading to a high-speed chase that ended in a crash with parked cars. He was apprehended while fleeing on foot. Authorities seized cell phones, laptops, cash, and a 9mm handgun from his vehicle. Aquilla is also accused of holding his wife against her will. He faces state charges for fleeing to evade arrest and federal charges including illegal firearm possession and kidnapping.

Timeline

Jun 15, 2026Brazilian court records reviewed showing previous convictions for drug trafficking, fraud, and extortion with no documented connection to the organizations U.S. authorities claimed he led
Jun 5, 2026Felipe Linares de Oliveira Dell Aquilla arrested during traffic stop in Mooresville, North Carolina; fled in vehicle leading to chase and crash; apprehended on foot with cell phones, laptops, cash, and handgun seized; wife allegedly held against her will

Sources

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