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State Highway Patrol Identifies Driver in Wilkes County Pursuit

Last Updated on January 10, 2019 1:09 pm

RALEIGH – The State Highway Patrol has identified the driver in Wednesday night’s pursuit in Wilkes County.  Cody Adam Cooper, 26, of Ferguson was operating a 2002 Honda motorcycle on US 421 when a state trooper attempted to stop him for a speeding violation. Cooper was later involved in a crash where he succumbed to his injuries. 

The state troopers involved in the pursuit have been identified as Trooper J. E. Belcher, a 10-year veteran assigned to Troop F, District 2 (Wilkes County) and Trooper S. T. Hall, a four-year veteran also assigned to Troop F, District 2 (Wilkes County). 

At the request of SHP, the NCSBI is conducting an independent investigation into the incident.  Both troopers have been placed on administrative duty pending an internal investigation which is agency protocol. 


RALEIGH – A preliminary investigation has revealed on Wednesday, January 9 at approximately 5:28 p.m., the State Highway Patrol attempted to stop a motorcyclist for a speeding violation on US 421 in Wilkes County.  The driver of the motorcycle began eluding authorities, initiating a vehicle pursuit.  During the course of the pursuit, the motorcyclist was involved in a collision near the intersection of US 421 and South Minton Rd.  As a result of the collision, the motorcyclist succumbed to his injuries at the scene. 

The NC State Bureau of Investigation along with the State Highway Patrol’s Reconstruction Unit responded to the scene to assist with the investigation.  Further information will be provided in a forthcoming email or press release as it becomes available.     

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