Motorcycle Pursuit Ends In Fatal Crash

JOHNSTON COUNTY, N.C. — A 21-year-old Archers Lodge man died Saturday night after crashing a motorcycle while fleeing from a Johnston County deputy.

The incident began around 11:55 p.m. when a Johnston County Sheriff’s deputy attempted to stop a 2013 Kawasaki motorcycle for speeding and running a red light on Clayton Boulevard (US 70) in the Clayton city limits.

According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the motorcyclist, identified as John Cutler Murray, failed to stop and accelerated away from the deputy. A short pursuit followed as Murray traveled along Powhatan Road at a high rate of speed.

Investigators said Murray lost control of the motorcycle while approaching the intersection of Powhatan Road and Harrison Road in Wilson Mills. The motorcycle failed to negotiate a curve, crossed the centerline, and ran off the left side of the roadway.

Murray was ejected from the motorcycle and struck a telephone box and a small tree in the front yard of a residence on Harrison Road.

Authorities said the pursuing deputy briefly lost sight of the motorcycle and did not witness the actual collision. The deputy immediately located the crash scene and began rendering first aid until EMS and fire personnel arrived.

Murray was pronounced dead at the scene by first responders.

Troopers determined the motorcyclist was involved in a property-damage hit-and-run collision in Clayton during the pursuit. That incident was investigated by the Clayton Police Department.

The State Highway Patrol said speed and alcohol are considered contributing factors in the fatal crash. Murray was wearing a North Carolina Department of Transportation-approved helmet.

Although the pursuit began in Clayton, the crash occurred in the Wilson Mills town limits. The Highway Patrol is leading the investigation with assistance from the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office, Wilson Mills Police Department, and Clayton Police Department.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Sgt. N.D. White at the Johnston County Highway Patrol Smithfield District Office at 919-934-2186.