Troopers: 15-Year-Old Behind Wheel During Chase Through Johnston And Harnett Counties

JOHNSTON COUNTY — A 15-year-old driver is facing juvenile petitions after allegedly leading state troopers on a pursuit that began in Johnston County and ended in Harnett County following a rolling roadblock and successful stop stick deployment.

The chase began around 10:40 p.m. Friday, July 24, while the North Carolina State Highway Patrol was assisting the Benson Police Department with a driver’s license checkpoint at U.S. 301 and N.C. 242 South.

According to the Highway Patrol, the driver attempted to avoid the checkpoint, prompting Sgt. C.O. Best and Trooper B.M. Dial to initiate a traffic stop.

Authorities said the driver refused to stop, leading troopers on a pursuit along U.S. 301. During the chase, the suspect vehicle crashed near Hodges Chapel Road but continued driving.

The pursuit continued through Dunn, Erwin and Coats before deputies with the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office successfully deployed a tire deflation device.

Troopers then used a rolling roadblock to bring the vehicle to a stop before conducting a high-risk felony stop.

Only after the vehicle was stopped did troopers discover the driver was just 15 years old. An 11-year-old passenger was also inside the vehicle during the chase.

No injuries were reported during the pursuit.

The Highway Patrol said juvenile petitions have been filed against the 15-year-old driver. Because the suspect is a juvenile, authorities could not release the driver’s name or additional information about the charges.