Suspect’s vehicle and patrol car collide during pursuit
By Kathryn Thier
The Charlotte Observer
MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Officers shot and killed a man following a vehicle chase Monday morning, although it’s unclear which law enforcement agency fired the fatal shot, Mooresville police said.
Mooresville police began following the man, 22-year-old Larry Donnell Patterson Jr., after a call from a concerned motorist about his driving, Capt. Phil Blocker said. After police unsuccessfully tried to stop the vehicle, a chase ensued, he said.
Mooresville police were joined by Iredell County sheriff’s deputies and the N.C. Highway Patrol during the chase, which ended in a field on Big Indian Loop off Bluefield Road, he said.
During the pursuit, the man’s vehicle and a highway patrol car collided, although it’s unclear which hit the other, Blocker said.
Mike Brotherton, a resident of Big Indian Loop, said he saw a highway patrol car block the man’s white Chevy pickup truck, which then rammed into the patrol car. After the crash, Brotherton said, he heard between 15 and 20 gunshots.
Officials said the man had been trying to ram trees and other cars as well.
When officials towed away the pickup truck, it had five bullet holes in the front windshield and at least four in the back windshield.
The State Bureau of Investigation is conducting an investigation, including ballistics work, to determine which officers fired the fatal shot or shots, Blocker said.
Two Mooresville police officers involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave following department policy, according to WCNC. That police department is also conducting an internal investigation.
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