Deputies received information that a fugitive was at a home in Salisbury. Deputies saw two people leave the residence and get in a truck. The passenger matched the description of the fugitive. When deputies tried to stop the truck for brake light and tag violations, a high-speed chase began that ended on a freeway onramp. The passenger got out of the truck and fired a long gun at the officers. Two deputies shot at the man, who fled into a wood line while continuing to fire at deputies. Searching officers heard a gunshot and subsequently found the man dead from multiple gunshots.
Agency: Rowan County Sheriff's Office
Motive: wanted suspect in unknown crime
Confrontation Type: None/Unknown
Official Disposition: Pending investigation
Victim Name: James Edward Coe
Death Date: February 17, 2021
County: Rowan
Geography: Suburban
Gender: Male
Age: 28
Race: White
Cause of Death: Gunshot
Criminal Charges: No known charges
Mental Illness: No
Armed: Allegedly Armed
Weapon: gun
Threat Level: attack
Fleeing: foot