Motorcyclist killed in Raleigh after chase involving Highway Patrol

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Authorities are investigating after a police pursuit ended with a motorcyclist dead Sunday.

State troopers began chasing the motorcycle about 4:15 p.m. The motorcycle operator crashed at South Wilmington Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.

The motorcyclist died as a result of their injuries. No identity was released pending notification of next of kin.

The Highway Patrol officer was not injured. An SUV at the scene had damage to the front and side but it was not clear whether that was an unmarked Highway Patrol vehicle or a private one.

Authorities did not immediately give a reason why police were in pursuit of the motorcyclist.

It's not yet been released where the chase started.

Raleigh Police and the Highway Patrol remained at the scene conducting an active investigation into Sunday night, but the scene was later cleared.

The Highway Patrol is the lead investigating agency.

This was the second deadly chase involving a motorcyclist and Highway Patrol in Raleigh in less than two weeks.

On Nov. 15, troopers pursued a motorcycle traveling more than 100 mph when the rider hit a car on Interstate 40 and was killed.