High-Speed Chase Ends With Manhunt In Benson

BENSON, N.C. – A search for a driver who fled on foot after a high-speed pursuit on Interstate 95 was called off Thursday afternoon after officers were unable to locate the suspect.

The southbound pursuit reportedly reached speeds of around 100 mph before the driver exited I-95 at Exit 79 in Benson and abandoned the vehicle.

The suspect ran from officers, prompting a foot pursuit involving the N.C. State Highway Patrol. The Benson Police Department and Johnston County Sheriff’s Office responded to assist.

Officers chased the suspect across the Food Lion parking lot before he disappeared into a nearby residential neighborhood.

A State Highway Patrol helicopter joined the search from the air.

Unconfirmed reports indicated the suspect was later seen behind a business in the 500 block of East Main Street, but officers were unable to locate him.

Smithfield Police responded with a K-9 that tracked the suspect for several blocks to the south before losing the trail.

The search was eventually called off Thursday afternoon.

The Highway Patrol seized the vehicle involved in the pursuit.

The identity of the driver and the reason for the initial pursuit were not immediately available.