CLAYTON – Law enforcement officers responded to two different locations Thursday afternoon following a shooting and car crash. One person is dead and the search for possible suspects is underway.
It started around 1:37pm when a Clayton police officer on routine patrol heard gunshots in a residential area near Hobbs and Durham Streets, which is off Highway 70 behind Domino’s Pizza. Responding officers found the address the shots came from a short time moments later.
Witnesses told police they saw a black GMC Yukon speeding away from the area on Highway 70 headed towards Smithfield. Moments later, emergency crews were dispatched to an auto accident on Highway 70 near Powhatan Road involving a vehicle matching the same description. Reports indicate the SUV was eastbound on Highway 70 when it crossed the median, traveled through the westbound lanes and through a field before colliding with a commercial building adjacent to the Speedway convenience store. The driver got out of the wrecked SUV and ran into the parking lot of the Speedway where he collapsed behind a delivery truck.
Johnston County EMS and fire department first responders performed CPR on the victim for 30 minutes before the individual was pronounced deceased at scene. The man reportedly had a gunshot wound.
Law enforcement officers have set up a perimeter around the intersection of Hobbs and Durham Streets looking for approximately 2 or 3 suspects.
The Clayton Police Department is being assisted by the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office and NC Highway Patrol.
This story will be updated as more details become available.
