RALEIGH – A state trooper assigned to Johnston County fatally shot a murder suspect after the suspect reportedly crashed his car during a two-county chase, then fired a gun at law enforcement officers.
At 1:08am today (Friday), the Highway Patrol attempted a traffic stop on Interstate 40 westbound near the 322-mile marker in Johnston County for a speeding violation. A black Nissan Rogue was clocked speeding 101 mph in a 70 mph zone.
The driver failed to stop for emergency equipment and a pursuit ensued traveling west towards Wake County. During the pursuit, a Johnston County sheriff’s deputy joined the chase in a supporting role.
The pursuit continued on I-40 into Wake County unit the suspect exited onto Hammond Road. The driver made several additional turns until crashing into an open grassy lot at the intersection of East St. and Branch St. in the city of Raleigh.
Law enforcement officers attempted to take the driver into custody. The operator of the vehicle reportedly produced a firearm and fired at officers. The officers returned fire striking the suspect. The suspect was transported to Wake Medical where he died from his injuries.
The suspect has been identified as Jaylen Latrelle Routt, age 20, of Fayetteville, NC. Routt was currently wanted for multiple charges stemming from Cumberland County to include murder.
The involved officer has been identified as Master Trooper Harrison Nazal, a 10-year veteran assigned to Johnston County.
In accordance with agency protocol in any trooper-involved shooting, the trooper has been placed on administrative duty.
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is conducting an independent investigation of the incident.
Thank u for all u do!!!!!
Justice served for this low life killer. Good job to all the LEOs involved and prayers for the Trooper that had to do his job. You did the right and only thing you could do. Prayers for you to get past this and know the public needs you on the street doing what you do again. Thank you.
The wral article covering this, quotes the mom as saying “I don’t understand why he was killed”
Um, maybe mama needed to teach right from wrong, keep the youth from being corrupted by community organizers.
This mentality that thinks the police should just duck and let the thugs run wild, is sheer stupidity…..
She’s trying to become the next millionaire probably. She’s going to claim racism, but her son never did anything wrong and went to church on Sundays. I think what she needs to think is how she failed her son instead since he was wanted for murder.
Good job Trooper and Deputy. Glad they didn’t 22 you, or else the deceased armed violent offender might’ve been able to kill again. The world is now a slightly safer place.