FOX - 8 WGHP
DURHAM, N.C. — Authorities have arrested a man wanted in connection with the shooting of a North Carolina Highway Patrol trooper during a traffic stop in East Durham Monday evening, WTVD is reporting.
According to the report, the suspect is being questioned by Durham police.
Earlier Monday, Durham police said they were looking for 23-year-old Mikel Edward Brady II of Vermont, who has a lengthy criminal record dating back to 2006.
Monday night’s shooting happened just after 6 p.m. in the westbound lanes of U.S. Highway 70 at Cheek Road near Interstate 85.
Authorities said the trooper, later identified by the Highway Patrol as Michael Potts, had pulled over a newer model black Nissan Altima with 30-day temporary license tags for a routine traffic stop when the driver opened fire.
Potts, 42, was then taken to Duke University Hospital where he was last listed in stable condition.
It is believed he was shot in the face or ear. Highway Patrol spokesman Sgt. Jeff Gordon said Potts has been surrounded by his family and was even visited by Gov. Pat McCrory.
“He is surrounded by his family and as far as other law enforcement officers and also the governor was kind enough and showed up as well to kind of show his support there tonight as well, so we appreciate that,” Gordon said. “We want everybody to keep the trooper’s family and of course himself in their thoughts and prayers.”
A vehicle matching the description of the one involved in the shooting was found behind a restaurant on North Roxboro Street and Avondale Drive late Monday. It was later towed away from the scene by authorities.
Trooper Potts is an 11-year veteran who joined the Highway Patrol August 2001. He is assigned to the Durham District Office.
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