HOPE MILLS, N.C. — A driver who was pulled over for a possible DWI on Tuesday died after he was taken into custody by Cumberland County deputies, officials said.
The incident, which happened around 3:30 p.m., started on Fennell Road in the Grays Creek area after Cumberland County deputies spotted a 2003 Buick Park Avenue, the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office said in an email.
Officers tried to stop the vehicle because they suspected the driver was under the influence of “an impairing substance,” deputies said.
However, the driver did not stop and turned onto Sandhill Road.
“The deputies observed items being discarded from the vehicle as they continued to follow the suspect who continued to drive to Chicken Foot Road where he turned right and stopped,” deputies said.
Deputies then asked the driver, Clarence Junior Young, 35, to step out of the car and took him into custody on a DWI charge and a charge of failure to stop for blue light, officials said.
Deputies say they found an “illegally possessed” handgun when they searched Young.
Then, while at the scene, Young “began having medical complications,” officials said.
Deputies then administered first aid until emergency medical personnel arrived, according to officials.
Young was transported to Cape Fear Valley Health Systems where he was pronounced dead upon arrival, deputies said.
Young’s body will be sent to Chapel Hill for an autopsy to determine cause of death.