1 dead after chase, shooting involving Rocky Mount police officer

ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. (WTVD) -- A man died after a Rocky Mount police officer shot him Sunday afternoon following a vehicle chase that began with a crash on Gateway Boulevard, according to Police Chief Martin McCoy.

Police identified the man as 39-year-old Michael Anthony Williams. McCoy said Williams was involved in a crash on Gateway Boulevard, the same location as the Texas Steakhouse restaurant, where officers learned he had several outstanding felony warrants. Rocky Mount Police determined Williams was responsible for the crash.

When officers approached him, Williams became combative, tried to drive away and struck a Rocky Mount police cruiser, McCoy said.

A woman who works nearby said Williams struck several vehicles before fleeing.

"A guest had told them somebody was bumping into their cars. They was lined up all right here. And it bent this up," said Texas Steakhouse employee Kelly Massenburg.

Officers then chased Williams at speeds reaching 75 mph until he crashed his vehicle on Jones Road.

Police said Williams ran across the street to the State Employees Credit Union, where McCoy said the suspect "violently assaulted" the RMPD officer who was chasing after him.

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"During the struggle, the officer discharged his firearm, and Mr. Williams was struck. The officer immediately called for medical assistance and began to perform lifesaving measures. Mr. Williams was transported to UNC Nash, where he later succumbed to his injuries," McCoy said.

Rocky Mount police said officers were wearing activated body cameras during the incident. Authorities have not released details about the outstanding warrants.

Surveillance video from the area showed a person running through a parking lot as officers chased him before he was shot. Witnesses said Williams crashed his car before running toward the credit union, followed by gunshots moments later.

"And when he ran to the side (of the bank). You couldn't see him no more. And then I heard three gunshots," an eyewitness said.

The State Bureau of Investigation (SBI_ is assisting Rocky Mount police as the investigation continues.

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