Suspect identified in fatal NC trooper shooting

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — We are learning more about what led up to a trooper being shot and killed in Columbus County early this morning during a traffic stop.

It happened around 12:15 a.m. on US 701 near Sellers Town Rd.

Investigators say Tpr. Kevin K. Conner stopped a white GMC pickup truck for speeding. The driver pulled over onto the shoulder near a convenience store. As the trooper approached, the driver reportedly fired several shots and drove off toward Fair Bluff.

Police tried to stop the truck, and the driver took off, which led to a brief chase. They say the driver then ran from the truck after it got stuck on a railroad crossing. After a manhunt, investigators found the driver in a wooded area.

The NC Department of Public Safety says Conner was an 11-year veteran. He was assigned to Troop B in Columbus County.

Raheem Davis, 20, is charged with first-degree murder in the case. Davis appeared this afternoon in Columbus County Court, where he was denied bond.

District Attorney Jon David said in court Davis shot Conner twice: once in the torso near his rib cage and once on the eyebrow. David said the truck Davis was driving was stolen. He said investigators found a cell phone and shirt belonging to Davis, but not a gun.

David says a citizen who arrived on scene called 911.

Davis has a prior charge in Columbus County from January of 2017. He was charged with discharging a firearm into an occupied property.

In court, Davis kept his head down as law enforcement filled the room in support of their fallen brother.

“It’s very upsetting,” Highway Patrol Spokesman First Sgt. Michael Baker said. “I knew Kevin personally, people here in this comm thought of Kevin as an upstanding citizen and officer. He was a family man. His loss very tragic to organization as well as entire community here in Columbus County.”

David said he will consult with senior Assistant District Attorneys on his staff to decide whether to seek the death penalty. A SBI investigation has been requested.

Attorney James Payne represented Davis in court today. He said he could not comment on the case because he has not yet been permanently appointed to handle Davis’s case.

Conner is survived by his wife and two kids, ages 6 and 11.

“The Highway Patrol family is mourning the loss of a hero and will forever be changed by the tragic events that have occurred,” Highway Patrol Commander Col. Glenn McNeill Jr. said in a release. “We ask everyone to please keep Trooper Conner’s family and all who knew him in your thoughts and prayers.”

North Carolina Public Safety Secretary Erik Hooks also shared his condolences.

“We extend our deepest sympathy to Trooper Conner’s family,” Hooks said. “Tpr. Conner was killed while protecting and serving his community. We mourn our loss and will continue to support his family. We are grateful for his service and honor the men and women who serve in harm’s way, each and every day.”

Davis’s next court appearance will be on Nov. 6 for a probable cause hearing.

Editor’s Note: A previous version of this story incorrectly reported that Jon David would consult with the Conference of District Attorneys about whether to seek the death penalty. We apologize for any confusion.