Currituck County DA Finds Shooting Justified After Chase

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Police cars gathering at the scene of a high-speed chase incident in Currituck County

News Summary

Currituck County’s District Attorney Jeff Cruden has declared the shooting by Deputy D. Turner justified following a high-speed chase on September 14, 2024. Cruden conducted a thorough investigation which included reports from the Currituck County Sheriff’s Office and body camera footage. The incident began with reckless driving reports, leading to a tense confrontation where the suspect was shot but is now in stable condition. Cruden reassured the community of their safety and allowed Turner to return to duty post-requirements, emphasizing transparency in law enforcement.

Currituck County DA Declares Shooting Justified After High-Speed Chase

Investigation Findings Lead to Clear Ruling

In a recent incident that has captured the attention of the Currituck County community, District Attorney Jeff Cruden has declared that the actions of Deputy D. Turner during a shooting incident on September 14, 2024, were lawful and justified. The declaration comes after a thorough investigation carried out by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation into an officer-involved shooting that unfolded in the area.

Beginning of the Pursuit

It all started when the Currituck County Sheriff’s Office received multiple reports regarding a string of vehicles driving recklessly. Witnesses noted that these vehicles were not just speeding but also running red lights, creating a dangerous situation on the roads. Not one to shy away from action, deputies swiftly attempted to stop these vehicles. Unfortunately, the suspects refused to comply, leading to a high-speed chase.

The Chase Ends in Coinjock

The wild chase finally came to an end on Worth Guard Road in Coinjock, which is known to be a dead-end area. As law enforcement confronted the suspect, a tense situation developed, resulting in Deputy Turner discharging his weapon. The suspect was struck during this confrontation and was promptly transported to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. Current reports indicate that the suspect is in stable condition following the incident.

DA Cruden’s Thorough Review

District Attorney Cruden took the responsibility of reviewing the entire case very seriously. To arrive at his decision, he examined the speeding incident report compiled by the Currituck County Sheriff’s Office, the official officer-involved shooting report provided by the NC State Bureau of Investigation, and even the body camera footage from Deputy Turner himself. It was a comprehensive review of all angles before reaching a conclusion.

Community Safety Reassured

After careful consideration, DA Cruden recommended that Deputy Turner be allowed to return to full duty once he meets any requirements established by the Sheriff’s Office. He reassured the community that there is no ongoing threat as a result of the incident. This decision will likely come as a relief to many local residents who were understandably concerned following the shooting.

Witness Accounts and Evidence Collection

On the night of the incident, local witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots and later witnessed the suspect being apprehended by law enforcement. Investigators worked late into the night, spending several hours at the scene to collect vital evidence. Their hard work continued until approximately 3 a.m., ensuring that all necessary information was gathered for further analysis.

Looking Forward

As Currituck County navigates the aftermath of this situation, the ruling by DA Cruden highlights a commitment to transparency and accountability within the law enforcement community. It serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by deputies as they work to maintain safety on the roads. With Deputy Turner poised to return to his duties, residents can expect continued efforts to uphold the law and ensure peace in the region.

The events of September 14th have left a mark on the community, but the clarity provided by the DA’s ruling will hopefully ease any lingering anxieties. As the situation unfolds, residents are encouraged to stay informed and continue supporting their local law enforcement as they strive to keep Currituck County safe for everyone.