COLUMBUS COUNTY, N.C. -- A state trooper was shot and killed after pulling over a speeding driver Wednesday.
- As the trooper approached the vehicle, the driver of the stopped and fired several shots, striking the trooper twice
- The trooper, Kevin K. Conner, was taken to the hospital and later died from his injuries
- The suspect, Raheem Davis, is charged with first degree murder
Around 12:15 a.m. Wednesday morning, Trooper Kevin K. Conner stopped a white pickup truck for speeding on U.S. Highway 701 near Sellers Town Road in Columbus County.
As the trooper approached the vehicle, the driver of the stopped GMC pickup truck fired several shots, striking the trooper twice and fleeing the scene.
The trooper, Kevin K. Conner, was taken to the hospital and later died from his injuries.
After an extensive search, deputies later found the suspect, 20-year-old Raheem Davis of Chadbourn, N.C., who was driving the stolen white pickup.
He is charged with first degree murder.
Conner leaves behind his wife, along with two young children.
Gov. Roy Cooper released the following statement about Trooper Conner:
"The tragic loss of Trooper Kevin Conner of the NC State Highway Patrol weighs heavily on our hearts. We are forever grateful for his devoted service and selfless commitment to protecting the people of North Carolina. Our prayers are with his family and friends and his colleagues in law enforcement."
The Highway Patrol released the following statement:
“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.”
Gov. Cooper has also called for flags to be lowered in honor of Trooper Conner.