Johnston County state troopers arrested two people following a high speed car chase that began in Selma and ended in Downtown Smithfield. One of suspects was wanted for two shootings dating back to 2015.
At 12:23pm Friday, a state trooper stopped a vehicle on Buffalo Road near US 70 in Selma for a move over violation. As the vehicle was stopping, the male driver and female passenger switched places. After coming to a complete stop, the female driver sped away attempting to flee from the trooper.
The pursuit entered into Selma and then southbound on US 301 into Smithfield where another trooper conducted a PIT maneuver at the intersection of US 70 and US 301 ending the pursuit.
The male passenger fled on foot but was quickly detained. The female driver was taken into custody with the assistance of other law enforcement officers.
The man was identified as Jarius Nathaniel Ensley, 20, of Durham. He was wanted for shooting a 31 year-old man in the abdomen during an argument in Durham on August 12, 2015. Ensley was wanted on attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill for that shooting. He was also wanted for robbery and assault with a deadly weapon for a December 22, 2017 shooting in Durham where a 28 year-old man was shot in his car during the holdup.
The female driver, Antaneia Enokia Candance Shepard of Durham was charged with felony speeding to elude arrest, driving while impaired, driving on a revoked license, expired registration, reckless driving, resisting and obstructing, and failing to stop for a stop light.
Both Ensley and Shepard were confined in the Johnston County Jail. Photos by John Payne
