This story has been updated. Click here to read the latest details.
UPDATE 5:50PM – A Town of Clayton spokesperson says the NC Highway Patrol will be handling the release of information about the incident.
UPDATE 5:10PM – According to a Town of Clayton spokesperson the suspect has died at the scene. A command post for the media has been set up at Nick’s Flippin Kids. .
CLAYTON – A suspect driving a stolen wrecker lead law enforcement officers on a chase this afternoon (Monday). It began around 4:00PM near Smithfield when the suspect reportedly stole a wrecker.
Johnston County deputies and the NC Highway Patrol spotted the stolen wrecker a few minutes later and pursued the vehicle along Black Creek Road, Highway 210, and Swift Creek Road before the chase turned onto Highway 70 towards Clayton.
While pursing the suspect on Highway 70, the driver of the stolen vehicle allegedly fired several shots at the pursuing officers. Clayton Police attempted to deploy stop sticks as the chase neared their city limits.
The suspect turned onto Hardee Lane and overturned the wrecker about 100 yards off the roadway. He died at the scene. His name was not immediately released.
There are no reports of any injuries to law enforcement officers.
Clayton Police and the NC Highway Patrol have temporarily closed an eastbound lane of Highway 70 at Hardee Lane (near Nick’s Flippin Gymnastics) while the incident is under investigation. Expect traffic delays in the area. The Johnston County Sheriff’s Office is also on the scene.
Johnston County EMS and the Clayton Fire Department have responded to the accident scene.
This story will be updated.
