ASHEBORO N.C. (ACME NEWS) — A man is hospitalized in critical condition following an exchange of gunfire with North Carolina State Highway Patrol troopers during a traffic stop Thursday afternoon on Interstate 85.
According to a statement from the Highway Patrol, the incident began around 12:32 p.m. when two troopers stopped a vehicle for a speeding violation on I-85 southbound near mile marker 118 in Guilford County.
While conducting the stop, a separate black passenger vehicle pulled over near the scene. A female driver exited the vehicle and asked for help, stating she was being assaulted by the male passenger.
As the troopers approached, the male passenger fired at them with a handgun. Both troopers returned fire and believe they struck the man. The woman exited the vehicle safely, and the male suspect then drove off, continuing south on I-85.
Troopers pursued the vehicle for approximately eight miles. The chase ended near mile marker 110, just south of the South Main Street exit in Randolph County, when the vehicle became disabled in the median.
Authorities provided medical aid to the driver for a gunshot wound until Randolph County EMS arrived. The man was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries and is listed in critical condition. No injuries were reported to the troopers or the female passenger.
The suspect was identified as Jaylen Deshawn Sawyer, 25, of High Point. Charges are pending.
The troopers involved were identified as Trooper Logan Self, a six-year veteran and field training officer, and Trooper Charles Chiarello, who was on his second day in the field. Both are assigned to Troop D, District 2 in Guilford County. Per agency policy, they have been placed on administrative duty during the investigation.
Randolph County EMS, Guil-Rand Fire Department, and the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office also responded to the scene.
The State Bureau of Investigation is handling the ongoing investigation. This is a developing story.
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