Police say Trooper Lowry escorted the driver of the car, 17-year oldKevin Golphin, into the passenger seat of the cruiser.
As lowry was writing the ticket, dispatch informed him he had stopped astolen car and that the teens might be suspects in an armed robbery inSouth Carolina. Lowry got out of his cruiser, then walked around to thepassenger side to frisk and cuff Kevin Golphin.
At about that time, Cumberland County Deputy David Hathcock arrived onthe scene and was ordered to detain Kevin's older brother Tilmon, who wasstill seated in the stolen car.
From that point, there are fewer known details.
Sheriff Earl "Moose" Butler believes Trooper Lowry and Kevin Golphinbegan to struggle. With Deputy Hathcock's attention diverted, TilmonGolphin allegedly reached into the back seat of the Camry, grabbed anSKS assault rifle, and opened fire on the officers. Each was struck atleast once by automatic gunfire in the torso.
Officials say the brothers then took the officers' guns and sped awaynorth on I-95. The chase ended 19 miles later across the Harnett Countyline when the brothers crashed trying to exit the highway.
They fled on foot, and were taken into custody a short time later.
Police say there is also evidence Kevin Golphin shot Trooper Lowrywith Deputy Hathcock's service revolver after both officers were shot withthe assault rifle.
The sheriff's department is still asking for any witnesses to stepforward with information to help their investigation.
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