Trooper killed during chase

NASH COUNTY

The North Carolina Highway Patrol said the chase began in Raleigh and ended in a crash in Nash County.

Raleigh police attempted to stop a 1995 Nissan 200SX on US 64 east near Hodge Road around 7:44 a.m.

The vehicle failed to stop and a pursuit ensued traveling into Nash County where troopers attempted to deploy stop sticks. During the deployment, Trooper Bobby Gene DeMuth was struck and killed.

Trooper DeMuth was a 12-year veteran stationed at the Rocky Mount, Troop C District 1 Highway Patrol Office.

The suspect vehicle continued a short distance before the driver was taken into custody.

Officials have identified the suspect as 40-year-old Christopher McCoy Rodgers, of Williamston.

Raleigh police said they originally tried to stop Rodgers after an alleged robbery.

A female victim reported that Rodgers forced his way into her residence in the 5400 block of Morning Creek Way just after midnight Saturday.

The woman said Rodgers then restrained her and her 21 month old and barricaded them into a room before leaving the scene.

Once the victim was able to free herself, she went to a friend's home and reported the crime.

Officials said the victim's ATM card was stolen during the crime and used in the 800 block of South New Hope Road.

Authorities were able to issue warrants for Rodgers charging him with burglary, common law robbery, two counts of kidnapping, assault on a female, assault on a child, and obtaining property by false pretense.

That's when law enforcement officials were warned to be on the lookout for Rodgers' vehicle.

Just after 7:30 a.m. a Raleigh police officer spotted Rodgers' vehicle in the vicinity of New Hope Road and Rogers Lane. The officer followed the vehicle onto US 264 Eastbound and requested additional units to help stop the car.

When additional units arrived, a known-risk stop was initiated near the intersection of US highways 264 and 64 near Wendell.

Traffic on US 64 was restricted in both directions until 4 p.m. Saturday.

Cornerstone Funeral Home in Nashville, N.C. said a visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 11 for Trooper DeMuth from 6 p.m. until 9 at the Englewood Baptist Church, located at 1350 Winstead Ave. Rocky Mount. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, September 12 at the church. Burial will follow at Red Oak Cemetery.

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