The NC Highway Patrol says a trooper fired his gun during an incident on Interstate 40 early this morning (Wednesday). At approximately 3:26 a.m., Trooper J.F. Smith stopped to check on a Chevrolet SUV that was parked stationary on the shoulder of I-40 near mile marker 340 in Sampson County.
During the course of the investigation, the driver of the Chevrolet pointed a gun at the trooper. As a result, Trooper Smith fired three shots, striking only the SUV. The driver was taken into custody without further incident.
The driver was treated at the scene for minor injuries as a result of broken glass. Trooper Smith was not injured during the incident.
The driver, who was the only occupant within the SUV, has been identified as Richard Scott Lane, 35, of Goldsboro. Lane was transported to the Sampson County Law Enforcement Center and charged with Assault by Pointing a Gun, Assault on a Government Official, Unsealed Wine/Liquor in the Passenger Area and received a $35,000 bond.
The State Highway Patrol has placed Trooper Smith, on administrative duty pending an internal investigation consistent with standard Highway Patrol protocol. Trooper Smith is a five-year veteran of the SHP assigned to Troop B, District 2, Sampson County.
The State Bureau of Investigation was contacted regarding the incident but will not complete a separate investigation.
