Body of Nash County deputy Jared Allison returns home

NASH COUNTY, N.C. (WTVD) -- The body of a Nash County deputy who died from injuries sustained while on the job was returned home on Wednesday.

A processional from Greenville to Nash County happened Wednesday morning. The Nash County Sheriff's Office, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol and other local law enforcement agencies escorted Deputy Jared Allison's body home from Greenville to Wheeler-Woodlief Funeral Home in Rocky Mount.

Many area first responders were there as several fire trucks and emergency vehicles were parked along bridges in support. People were encouraged to line the roads in a showing of respect.

Gov. Roy Cooper ordered all North Carolina flags at state facilities to be lowered to half-staff beginning Wednesday until sunset on Thursday in honor of Allison. Gov. Cooper, a Nash County native, spoke highly of Allison.

"I've spoken with Sheriff Keith Stone and family of Deputy Jared Allison, and I join them in mourning his tragic death," Gov. Cooper said. "Deputy Allison made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting the people of Nash County, and I'm deeply grateful for his service."

One man who talked to ABC11 told us he saw Allison give some of his own money to a struggling mother down on her luck.

"Good guy, I can't imagine what the family's going through," said the man.

Deputy Allison, 26, died Tuesday in the hospital. He had been there since Nov. 26, after crashing his cruiser while chasing a motorcyclist who was reportedly driving in a "careless and reckless manner."

The chase ended when Allison's cruiser hit a Nissan Maxima turning onto U.S. 301. Investigators said the driver of the Maxima was following the rules of the road and is not expected to face any charges.

Sheriff Keith Stone said the force of the crash ejected Allison through his passenger side door. It's unclear if the deputy was wearing his seatbelt when the crash happened.

Investigators are still trying to piece together the exact details of the crash. They're also trying to track down the motorcyclist, who drove off and has not been identified.

Meanwhile, Stone called Allison a "phenomenal officer" and said he was married and has a 9-year-old son. Allison was a Nash County deputy for more than two years and an Army veteran.

"We ask everyone to keep Jared's family as well as our deputies in your prayers as we all grieve the loss of a hero who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving the citizens of Nash County," Stone said.