An investigation is underway after a North Carolina police officer shoots a suspect in the leg following a chase

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCT) – The NC State Highway Patrol is investigating an incident in which a trooper attempted to stop a suspect, a high-speed chase ensued and the suspect was shot after officers said he pointed a gun at the directed at police officers.

Just after 7 a.m. Saturday, officials said a member of the State Highway Patrol was conducting speed checks on I-587 at the 40 mile marker near the Wilson and Greene county line. The trooper saw a burgundy 2023 Kia Carnival traveling eastbound on I-587 at a high speed of over 90 mph in a 70 mph zone.

The officer triggered emergency equipment and the driver was unable to stop, which then led to a chase. Officials said the pursuers drove east on I-587 until the driver turned onto US-258 (Farmville exit) and then drove south on US-258 into Farmville. The pursuit ended when the vehicle came to an abrupt stop and the driver fled on foot at the intersection of US-258 at Bynum Drive.

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The officer pursued the driver on foot through a residential area and into an open field. The suspect stopped, turned around and pointed a gun at the officer. The officer then fired, hitting the suspect multiple times in the leg, officials said.

The suspect, identified as Kenneth Charles Kinard, 35, of Lookout Road in Virginia Beach, Virginia, was located and immediate medical attention was provided. A female passenger who was also in the vehicle surrendered without incident and was not injured.

The suspect was transported by Pitt County EMS to ECU Health Medical Center where he was treated for his injuries. The soldier was not injured.

Officials said Kinard has multiple warrants out of the state of Virginia for his arrest, including:

• Contempt of Court (FTA) for violating probation

• Possession of category I and II drugs

• Possession of drug paraphernalia

• 3 counts of grand larceny

A weapon, drugs and drug paraphernalia were recovered at the scene. Charges were expected to be filed against Kinard. Charges are being filed against Mr. Kinard.

The trooper has been placed on active administrative duty and an investigation by the NC State Bureau of Investigation is underway, officials said Saturday evening.

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