ZEBULON, N.C. — An officer with the Zebulon Police Department is recovering after being dragged alongside a vehicle and suffering a self-inflicted gunshot wound Monday night.
- Officer Colby James was dragged by a vehicle Monday night after responding to a suspicious vehicle being reported at a park
- While being dragged, James' weapon discharged, striking him in the left arm
- He was treated for non-life threatening injuries
- The driver was arrested in Johnston County and faces multiple charges
Around 9:40 p.m., police say Officer Colby James made contact with the driver of a suspicious vehicle reported at Zebulon Community Park on S. Arendell Ave. The driver, identified as 51-year-old Deserie Byrum, was wanted on several outstanding warrants from Randolph County, including flee to elude arrest, reckless driving, failing to stop for lights and siren and expired registration, according to authorities.
During an attempted arrest, officers say Byrum drove off, dragging James and pinning him in the doorjamb as she left the roadway and entered a wooded playground.
Officials say James drew his weapon, which discharged as he was being dragged through brush and debris, striking him in the left upper arm. He eventually became dislodged from the vehicle and was treated on scene by responding units before being transferred to a nearby hospital.
Officials say James’ injuries are non-life threatening and he was released early Tuesday morning.
Byrum was later found by the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office and led authorities on a chase before being taken into custody.
Byrum was transferred into the custody of the Zebulon Police Department, where she faces charges of assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury, damage to property and careless and reckless driving. Johnston County authorities also charged Byrum with flee to elude arrest and damage to property. Warrants from Randolph County were also served.
“I am grateful for the support of our neighboring jurisdictions. Within minutes, officers from Wendell, Knightdale, Rolesville, Wake Forest, and the Wake County Sheriff’s Office were in town. Throughout the night, we had help from NC State Highway Patrol, Johnston County Sheriff’s Office, ALE, Wake ABC, CCBI, Wake Fire Services, and Emergency Management. These partnerships and cooperative working relationships led to the suspect being identified and apprehended in a short span of time,” said Zebulon Police Chief Jacqui Boykin said in a statement on Facebook. “The charges brought against Byrum tonight and in the past few weeks demonstrate her general lack of concern for the sanctity of human life. With her in custody, we can focus on helping Officer James and his family heal and recover from this senseless act.”
Officials say James is a former U.S. Marine and has been with Zebulon Police Department for just over a year. He previously served for four years as a State Capitol Police officer.
