Community mourns loss of state trooper

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — He was a hero but he was also referred to as true friend who cared for everyone in his community. Someone, his neighbors say, they will never forget.

“This is devastating news for our community,” a neighbor Sean B. said.

For many people, it will be hard to imagine a world without trooper Kevin Conner.

“He was a family man and his loss is very tragic for our organization as well as the entire community here in Columbus County,” Highway Patrol spokesman First Sergeant Michael Baker said.

Conner, a highway patrolman, lost his life in the line of duty when he was shot and killed in Columbus County during a traffic stop. Police arrested 20 year-old Raheem Davis. Many of those who worked alongside the father and husband say it’s a heavy loss for everyone in the community.

“It’s very upsetting. I mean I knew Kevin personally. The people in this community thought of Kevin as an upstanding citizen and an upstanding officer to the highway patrol,” Baker said.

His neighbors say it won’t be the same not seeing him run down the road for a jog and saying hello to his neighbors.

“He used to run at least four to five miles with his wife. He got a stick on his hand just in case and keep smiling, running. If he sees anybody, he tries to run and help anybody. This guy, he was such an angel,” B said.

He was a father, a husband, a friend, and a man committed to his job.

“Today is not his last day. Today is the beginning of his angel state. I put it this way. He will always be my heart in our neighborhood,” B said.

Many neighbors said he was a one of a kind spirit and say this isn’t just a sad day for the community but for the state of North Carolina.