Local News

Dispute Ends in Chase

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The chase wound through five counties
SMITHFIELD — A domestic disturbance between twobrothers moved into a high speed chase about midnight Saturday -- a chasethat spanned five counties, involved more than 25 law officers, and thatreached speeds in excess of 100 miles an hour.

The ruckus started when officers were called to handle a dispute in amobile home park on Highway 50 South. A man wielding a 12-gauge shotgunbegan shooting at sheriff's deputies, and then took off in a car.

At least seven law enforcement agencies, including state troopers fromboth Carolinas, chased him. The man drove from Highway 50 to NC 41 toI-40. Officers tried to set up "stop sticks" on the roadway, but the carhad already shot past them, heading for I-95.

The driver and officers exchanged bullets as they flew down I-95. Thesuspect drove through Harnett, Sampson and Cumberland Counties beforeauthorities caught him in Robeson County, just outside Lumberton -- fourhours after the ordeal began. Law officers established a "runningroadblock," which effectively boxes a vehicle inside a phalanx of theircars and, as they slow down, the car being chased is forced to slow or tocrash.

Officers identified the driver as Ronald L. Williams, 30, of Garner. Heis being treated for a gunshot wound at a local hospital.

Various charges are being brought against Williams, among them: drivingwhile intoxicated, traveling in excess of 100 mph in a 65 mph zone,attempt to elude arrest, assault of government officials, assault with adeadly weapon, three assault charges, and damage to property.

There's no word on motive for the chase.

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