CLAYTON – The NC Highway Patrol released a statement around 9:30pm tonight (Monday) in connection with a fatal high speed chase on Highway 70 this afternoon during which shots were fired by the fleeing suspect and pursing troopers.
Here is the statement:
On Monday, July 1st at approximately 4:23 p.m. the State Highway Patrol attempted to stop a stolen tow truck on Black Creek Road in Johnston County after receiving a call for assistance by local authorities.
As the pursuit traveled onto US 70 Business west the driver of the stolen tow truck began shooting at pursuing troopers who then returned fire as they neared the city of Clayton.
During the course of the pursuit, the driver of the tow truck traveled across the eastbound lanes of US 70 striking trees on the adjacent shoulder. The driver of the tow truck was pronounced deceased at the scene, the cause of death is unknown.
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is conducting an independent criminal investigation at the request of the SHP. Investigators from the SHP internal affairs unit are conducting an internal investigation which is agency protocol in any officer involved shooting.
