Fayetteville, NC (February 2, 2025) – A late-night police pursuit on Saturday resulted in a crash and left a North Carolina State Highway Patrol trooper injured in Cumberland County.
The incident began around 11 p.m. when a state trooper attempted to stop a vehicle on NC Highway 87 between Eastern Boulevard and Owen Drive. Instead of pulling over, the driver fled, initiating a high-speed chase that reportedly reached speeds of up to 116 miles per hour. The suspect vehicle led the trooper into the Gray’s Creek community before crashing into the yard of a home and colliding with a tree line on Gumberry Court.
Following the crash, the driver abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot. The trooper pursued the suspect, leading to a struggle that resulted in the trooper sustaining injuries. The suspect managed to escape, and law enforcement officers are actively searching for them.
Emergency responders transported the injured trooper to Cape Fear Valley Hospital for treatment. The severity of their injuries has not been disclosed at this time. Additional troopers at the scene detained five passengers who were inside the suspect vehicle. The front-seat passenger, who was identified as the vehicle’s owner, was arrested after authorities discovered marijuana inside the car. The four other passengers were released.
Investigators continue to search for the driver and are reviewing evidence as they work to determine additional charges related to the incident. Further updates will be provided as more details emerge.
High-Speed Chases and Roadway Safety in North Carolina
Police pursuits, like the one on NC Highway 87 and Gumberry Court, pose serious risks to both law enforcement officers and the public. High-speed chases often lead to dangerous crashes as suspects attempt to evade arrest without regard for road safety. When vehicles travel at excessive speeds, drivers lose the ability to react quickly to changing road conditions, increasing the likelihood of severe or fatal collisions.
North Carolina law enforcement agencies follow strict pursuit policies to balance public safety with the need to apprehend fleeing suspects. However, unpredictable situations, such as foot pursuits and altercations following a crash, can still lead to injuries for officers and bystanders.
Injuries sustained in police chases can result in long-term medical treatment, rehabilitation, and financial burdens for those involved. Law enforcement officers put their lives on the line daily, and incidents like this highlight the risks they face while keeping roads safe.
For more information or to receive help after an accident, contact Local Accident Reports.