SHP: Driver Wanted After 130 MPH Chase Ends In Benson

BENSON, N.C. – The N.C. State Highway Patrol has identified the driver wanted after a high-speed pursuit on Interstate 95 Thursday afternoon that reached 130 mph before ending in Benson.

Troopers identified the driver as William Alej Medina Morazan of Durham. Warrants have been obtained for his arrest, according to the Highway Patrol.

The incident began around 1:09 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13, when Trooper M.A. Parks attempted to stop a gray Infiniti displaying a fictitious South Carolina registration plate on southbound I-95 near Four Oaks in Johnston County.

The driver initially pulled over. However, as Parks exited his patrol vehicle, the driver reportedly sped away, prompting a pursuit.

The chase continued south toward Harnett County, with speeds reaching approximately 130 mph.

As the driver approached a highway construction zone, the Highway Patrol said he drove behind concrete barriers before taking Exit 79 in Benson. The Infiniti became stuck on the shoulder, and the driver jumped from the vehicle and fled on foot.

A large search followed involving State Highway Patrol Aviation, Benson Police, Smithfield Police K-9, Johnston County sheriff’s deputies and troopers from Johnston and Harnett counties.

Officers searched residential and commercial areas near Main Street and I-95.

Despite the ground and air search, the driver was not located. Authorities called off the search after approximately two hours.

Following additional investigation and a review of surveillance video from the area, troopers identified Morazan as the alleged driver.

The Highway Patrol seized the Infiniti.

Anyone with information on Morazan’s whereabouts is asked to contact the State Highway Patrol in Johnston County at 919-934-2186 or Highway Patrol Communications Center in Raleigh at 919-733-4400.

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This story has been updated