Chapel Hill police are actively searching for a suspect believed to be responsible for a serious property damage incident that occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, October 13, 2026. The incident took place around 2:30 a.m. on the 300 block of McMasters Street in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. According to reports, a vehicle that had been stolen struck a residential home, causing significant structural damage. The house is owned by the stepfather of Rafael Linhares, a student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, who was residing in the home with a roommate at the time of the crash. Linhares confirmed he was inside the residence when the vehicle impacted the structure. The collision resulted in the complete destruction of the home's porch and extensive damage to the front of the building. Linhares expressed his distress over the loss, stating that he had no other housing and had planned to create more memories in the home. Authorities have confirmed that the driver of the car remains at large and is currently wanted in connection with the theft of the vehicle and the subsequent crash. The investigating agency, Chapel Hill Police Department, is urging the public to remain vigilant and to report any information that could assist in locating the suspect. Residents are encouraged to contact local law enforcement with any tips regarding the stolen vehicle or the individual responsible for the crash. The investigation is ongoing as police work to identify and apprehend the driver. No injuries have been reported in connection with the incident, but the property damage is substantial. The community is being advised to exercise caution and to report any suspicious activity in the area immediately.