On Thursday, May 15, at approximately 12:32 p.m., two members of the State Highway Patrol conducted a traffic stop for a speeding violation on I-85 southbound near mile marker 118 in Guilford County.
During the course of the traffic stop, a black passenger vehicle pulled over at their location and the female operator was pleading for help as she was actively being assaulted by the male passenger. As troopers approached the vehicle, the male passenger fired at the troopers with a handgun. The two members returned fire and believed to have struck the male passenger. The female exited the vehicle, and the male passenger took control of the vehicle, traveling south on I-85. A pursuit was initiated and continued for approximately 8 miles before the vehicle became disabled in the median of I-85, just south of exit 111 (S. Main Street) in Randolph County.
Authorities on scene began life-saving procedures on the driver for a gunshot wound until emergency medical personnel arrived. The driver was transported from the scene to a local hospital and is listed in critical condition. The involved troopers were not injured during the incident. The involved female was uninjured.
The suspect has been identified as Jaylen Deshawn Sawyer, 25 years old, of High Point, NC. The two troopers are identified as Trooper Logan Self, who is a 6-year veteran stationed in Troop D, District 2 (Guilford County). Trooper Self is a field training officer currently assigned to train Trooper Charles Chiarello, who was the second member involved. Trp. Chiarello was working his second day as a trooper and is assigned to Troop D, District 2. Both members have been placed on administrative duty pending an internal investigation, which is agency protocol in any trooper-involved shooting. Charges against Mr. Sawyer are forthcoming.
Further inquiries into this incident should be directed to the SBI due to their separate ongoing investigation.
###