As that search continued, Roanoke Rapids police were involved in a chase which ended in the Zoo Road area. Details are forthcoming on that chase.
Trooper Scott Richardson said the chase related to the ongoing search began shortly before 10 a.m. as he and Trooper J.T. Keeter were northbound on Highway 48 in the Aurelian Springs area when a car traveling south at a high of speed went by them.
Keeter pursued the vehicle and soon after the chase began, the driver turned onto a farm path before getting back on Highway 48.
As the driver approached Brinkleyville he tried to make a left turn onto Highway 561, missing the road and going into an yard. The driver then went through a ditch before making it onto Highway 561. The driver, however, struck a tree, exited the vehicle and went into the wood line.
Richardson said speeds reached in excess of 100 miles per hour during the chase.
The troopers declined to immediately name the driver. It is believed the driver is wanted out of Vance County, other law enforcement sources said.
At the scene at Highway 48, a Highway Patrol helicopter was circling the perimeter of the area and dogs from both the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office and state Department of Public Safety were deployed.
Troopers from Nash County assisted as well as state park rangers.
Two armed troopers were seen on either side of Highway 48.