By Ron Gallagher
The News & Observer
JOHNSON COUNTY, N.C. — Two men were charged with attempted first-degree murder and authorities were looking for a third man who they said was involved in shooting at a Johnston County sheriff’s deputy during a car chase and then speeding toward her in their car while she was on foot.
The deputy was unhurt, sheriff’s spokeswoman Tammy Amaon said. She fired at the car, which she had chased into a cul-de-sac, and it crashed and the suspects jumped out, Amaon said.
The people in the car had shot at the deputy, whose name was not released, during a chase that began when she tried to stop the car for a traffic check about 10 p.m., the sheriff’s office said.
Datrel K’chaun Lyons, 19, of Clayton and Gerald Thomas Holmes III, 23, of Smithfield were in custody Tuesday. Amaon did not identify the third suspect who was being sought. Both were charged with attempted first-degree murder and felony conspiracy. Holes was charged a probation violation.
One of the two men was arrested at the crash scene. A K-9 search tracked the other about 2:30 a.m., Amaon said. Officials did not say which man was caught first.
The crash happened on Spaniel Lane, which is a cul-de-sac at its eastern end.
The chase had begun on Cleveland Road near Barber Mill Road, Amaon said.
When the car got to the end of the street, the deputy got out of her patrol car in order to arrest the people in the other car, officials said.
The driver of that car aimed at her and sped up, and the deputy shot at and hit the vehicle, Amaon said.
Officials did not say if anyone in the car was hurt by the shot.