COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WBTW) – A North Carolina state trooper was killed in a shooting in Columbus County early Wednesday morning.
Highway Patrol Sgt. Michael Baker says the trooper, identified as Kevin K. Conner, an 11-year veteran, died after being transported to the hospital.
Trooper Conner was shot around 12:15 a.m. while conducting a traffic stop on U.S. 701 near Sellers Town Road in the Whiteville area of the county. The North Carolina Department of Public Safety says Conner was making a traffic stop on a white GMC pickup truck for a speeding violation.
One of our @NCSHP troopers was fatally shot this morning while protecting and serving his community and state. The suspect is in custody. The entire @NCPublicSafety family appreciates your thoughts, prayers and support. More details, see: https://t.co/3KHrcsrMPE pic.twitter.com/EoQyur9ZMS— NC Highway Patrol (@NCSHP) October 17, 2018
“The driver of the pickup truck pulled over onto the shoulder and the trooper made his initial approach. The driver of the pickup then fired several shots, striking the trooper,” the release says.
The driver then drove away, traveling into Fair Bluff. Police attempted to stop the driver, but he refused to pull over. The driver of the pickup then fled on foot after his vehicle became disabled while attempting to cross over a railroad crossing, the press release states.
After an extensive search, authorities located the driver and placed him in custody without incident. He was caught near Flair Bluff, in a wooded area after a manhunt and was transported to the Columbus County Jail by investigators around 4:00 a.m.
The suspect’s name has not been released.
“The Highway Patrol family is mourning the loss of a hero and will forever be changed by the tragic events that have occurred,” said Colonel Glenn McNeill Jr., commander of the State Highway Patrol. “We ask everyone to please keep Trooper Conner’s family and all who knew him in your thoughts and prayers.”
A Facebook post from the North Carolina Department of Public Safety says more information is expected to be released later this morning.
“We extend our deepest sympathy to Trooper Conner’s family,” said Public Safety Secretary Erik A. Hooks. “Trooper Conner was killed while protecting and serving his community. We mourn our loss and will continue to support his family. We are grateful for his service and honor the men and women who serve in harm’s way, each and every day.”
Trooper Kevin K. Conner was an 11-year veteran assigned to Troop B, District 5 in Columbus County.