Shot trooper recovering; man facing charges

DURHAM

Three other people were also being questioned in the ongoing investigation.

Brady, of White Pines Drive in Durham, is charged with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill. He is also wanted on an absconder warrant from Vermont. Brady was arrested Tuesday morning at an apartment complex in Raleigh.

Trooper Michael Potts was shot just after 6 p.m. Monday in the westbound lanes of U.S. Highway 70 at Cheek Road near Interstate 85.

» Click here for Google map of the area. «

Authorities said Potts pulled over a newer model black Nissan with 30-day temporary license tags because the driver wasn't wearing a seatbelt. That's when the driver, believed to be Brady, allegedly opened fire.

Potts, 42, was then taken to Duke University Hospital where he was last listed in fair condition after two surgeries. He was shot four times and suffered wounds to each hand, his right shoulder, and the right side of his face.

The Nissan was found behind a restaurant in the 2000 block of North Roxboro Street late Monday. It was later towed away from the scene by authorities.

According to court records from Vermont obtained by ABC11, Brady has long criminal history - including state and federal convictions.

He allegedly left the state after being released on a furlough program and had been wanted since.

Brady is currently in the Durham County Jail under an $8 million bond.

Trooper Potts is an 11-year veteran who joined the Highway Patrol in August 2001. He is assigned to the Durham district office.

Potts is now receiving visitors in the hospital.

"He's a humble guy. He's very humble, very humble and I think that says a lot about his character," said Durham Mothers Against Drunk Driving President Ollie Jeffers.

Jeffers has worked several check points with Potts.

After seeing him at Duke Tuesday, Jeffers said Potts is bouncing back extremely well.

"He's in very good spirits," said Jeffers. "I think that says a lot you know about him and his faith. He's in very good spirits. There were officers from the Highway Patrol and the sheriff's department and police department. They were all there. They were there at his side wanting to know if you need anything 'What can I do.'"

Before the entering the Highway Patrol, Potts was as a pro left-handed baseball pitcher who started out with the Durham Bulls and ended his career with the Milwaukee Brewers. The Bulls are planning to visit Potts at the hospital at some point.

Classifieds | Report A Typo |  Send Tip |  Get Alerts | See Click Fix
Follow @abc11 on Twitter  |  Become a fan on Facebook

Copyright © 2024 WTVD-TV. All Rights Reserved.