BENSON – The search continues for a hit and run vehicle and driver that struck and killed a pedestrian on Interstate 40 near the 325 mile marker outside of Benson.
Around 7:10am Friday, November 29, the body of 38 year-old Ryan Opher of Raleigh was found in the median, between the Rest Area and NC 242 Exit. He had been hit by a metallic gray 2008-2013 Nissan Rogue that failed to stop at the scene.
Authorities believe Ryan Opher was a passenger in a white Acura passenger car involved in a brief pursuit about six hours earlier.
Around 1:20am Friday morning, a Johnston County patrol deputy stopped the driver of the Acura for speeding eastbound on I-40 near the 316 mile marker. As the deputy approached the Acura, the driver sped away.
The pursuit reached speeds of 130 mile per hour as several objects were tossed out the window of the car while speeding eastbound. After a nine mile pursuit, at the 325 mile marker, the Acura stopped and the passenger, believed to be Ryan Opher, ran into the woods.
The deputy was able to arrest the driver, Randall Opher, age 37, of Greensboro, NC. Randall Opher faces multiple charges including felony fleeing to elude arrest, possession of cocaine, possession of a firearm by a felon, speeding, resisting a public officer, driving on a revoked license, expired registration, failure to maintain lane control, no insurance, and possession of an open container.
The Acura was seized under the NC Run and Done law.
The passenger who ran into the woods could not be located and officers cleared the scene.
Approximately 6 hours later, the body of Ryan Opher was located along the same stretch of I-40 where the chase ended.
The Highway Patrol says the hit and run metallic gray Nissan Rogue should have significant damage to the left front bumper and headlight area. (A similar vehicle is pictured above.)
Anyone with information about the Nissan Rogue or driver is urged to contact the State Highway Patrol in Raleigh at 919-733-3861 or the Smithfield District Office at 919-934-2186. Callers may remain anonymous.
