COLUMBUS – A North Carolina state trooper was shot and killed Wednesday morning, according to the North Carolina Department of Public Safety.
Trooper Kevin K. Conner, an 11-year veteran with Troop B in District 5, was stopping a GMC pickup truck on a speeding violation at about 12:15 a.m. on US-701 near Sellers Town Road in Columbus County.
The driver fired several shots, hitting Conner, before driving off toward Fair Bluff.
After a brief pursuit, the truck was disabled while trying to cross a railroad cross. The driver then ran away from the truck.
Officials found the suspect after an extensive search and took him into custody.
Conner was taken to the hospital where he died of his injuries.
“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, in a news release. “We ask everyone to please keep Trooper Conner’s family and all who knew him in your thoughts and prayers.”
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
Have a hot tip for First In Freedom Daily?
Got a hot news tip for us? Photos or video of a breaking story? Send your tips, photos and videos to tips@firstinfreedomdaily.com. All hot tips are immediately forwarded to FIFD Staff.
Have something to say? Send your own guest column or original reporting to submissions@firstinfreedomdaily.com.
