Multi-County Chase Ends In Southern Johnston County Crash

BENSON, N.C. — A driver was taken into custody early Wednesday morning after leading law enforcement officers on a multi-county pursuit that ended with a crash in the Meadow community in southern Johnston County.

It started when a Sampson County sheriff’s deputy attempted to stop a work van pulling a utility trailer loaded with ladders on N.C. Highway 55 near Green Path Road outside Dunn.

The driver refused to stop, leading deputies on a chase through rural roads in Sampson County before crossing into Harnett County. The pursuit continued into Johnston County, back into Sampson County and then returned to Johnston County.

Authorities said the chase ended when the driver lost control of the van and crashed into a ditch in the 3600 block of Woods Crossroads Road.

The driver was taken into custody at the scene. The Meadow Volunteer Fire Department and Johnston County EMS responded to evaluate the driver following the crash. He was not injured.

During the pursuit, speeds reportedly reached approximately 80 mph.

Assisting agencies included the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office, Dunn Police Department, Benson Police Department and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.