GOLDSBORO, N.C. — A routine traffic stop turned dangerous Tuesday afternoon when a passenger fired a handgun at a police officer before fleeing on foot, leading to a multi-agency pursuit that ended with two arrests in nearby Mt. Olive.
The incident began at approximately 3:34 p.m. on July 22, when a Goldsboro Police Department patrol officer stopped a vehicle traveling at high speed with an expired registration plate. During the stop, a male passenger exited the vehicle and discharged a firearm at the officer before fleeing the scene on foot.
The driver of the vehicle also fled, sparking a chase involving officers from multiple law enforcement agencies. The pursuit continued into Mt. Olive, where it concluded around 3:54 p.m. near Breazeale Avenue when the suspect vehicle stopped and both suspects were taken into custody without further incident.
No injuries were reported during the 20-minute ordeal.
The driver has been identified as Ni’yon Quaheim Lathon, 23. Lathon faces multiple charges including two felony counts of fleeing to elude arrest, resisting, delaying and obstructing an officer, and several traffic violations. The charges include expired registration, careless and reckless driving, driving left of centerline, failure to yield right of way at a stop sign, operating a motor vehicle in excess of 35 mph within city limits, improper U-turn, and failure to operate a motor vehicle on the right half of the highway.
Lathon appeared before a Wayne County magistrate and was denied bond.
The Goldsboro Police Department’s Investigations Division has assumed control of the ongoing investigation. Information about the passenger who allegedly fired at the officer has not been released at this time.
The incident highlights the dangers law enforcement officers face during routine traffic stops and the quick response capabilities of regional law enforcement agencies working together.
Update/ Clarification
At the conclusion of the pursuit, there were two people detained. It was determined that the rear seat passenger did not violate any laws and that person was subsequently released.
