The State Highway Patrol is investigating an assault that occurred in Rowan County on Saturday, January 23, 2016 at approximately 2 a.m. A state trooper was on routine patrol when two all-terrain vehicles were observed on N.C. 153, within the travel lanes. After activating his emergency equipment, the trooper attempted to stop the operators of the ATVs.
The operators pulled onto Harmony Lane, located within a subdivision in China Grove. The trooper exited his vehicle and began to approach the four wheelers. At that point, one of the operators intentionally drove toward the trooper at a high rate of speed, striking him. The operator then turned around and attempted to strike the trooper a second time. At that point, the trooper discharged his service weapon attempting to avoid further injury, causing both operators to flee the scene.
The trooper received serious but non-life threatening injuries and was transported to Carolinas Medical Center-Northeast in Concord.
Investigators are requesting the public’s assistance in providing any information in identifying the suspects. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Highway Patrol Communications Center at (800) 233-3151.
###