Chase leads to firing of Black Mountain officer

BLACK MOUNTAIN, NC (AP) — A Black Mountain police officer has
been fired after being charged with hit and run, fleeing to avoid
arrest and other crimes stemming from a parking lot wreck at a
fast-food restaurant.

Thirty-five-year-old Joshua King was dismissed following an
investigation.

Black Mountain Police Chief Kevin Pressley says the 14-year
police veteran was off duty and driving his personal vehicle
Saturday when he hit another car as he tried to back out of a
drive-through lane.

Pressley says King fled and was chased for three miles by
officers.

King is scheduled in court May 20. It was unclear if he has a
lawyer.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)