Authorities have identified Enrique Lopez, 26, of Smithfield as the suspect in yesterday’s pursuit involving a state trooper in Johnston County. Lopez was attempting to elude law enforcement while fleeing in a stolen tow truck on US 70 Business. During the pursuit, Lopez began shooting at pursuing troopers who then returned fire as they neared the city of Clayton. The pursuit concluded as Lopez crashed into a tree on the eastbound shoulder of US 70 Business.
Investigators have determined Lopez was struck by a trooper’s gunfire during the altercation. The Medical Examiner’s Office is currently attempting to determine the cause of death as Lopez was pronounced deceased at the crash scene.
Trooper J. J. Kiser, a 9-year veteran stationed in Troop C, District 6 (Johnston County) has been placed on administrative duty pending an internal investigation which is agency protocol in any trooper-involved shooting.
Further inquiries into this incident should be forwarded to the SBI due to their ongoing separate investigation.
###