Shooting suspect captured after chase ends in Columbus County

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — A suspect wanted in connection with a shooting in Robeson County has been taken into custody following a vehicle pursuit that ended in Columbus County, according to the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office.

On February 6, the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office was notified that the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office was pursuing a suspect traveling eastbound on U.S. 74 toward Columbus County. The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office Heavy Enforcement Action Team, deputies, and command staff joined the pursuit. HEAT members positioned themselves east of the Boardman overpass.

The sheriff’s office said deputies deployed stop sticks, deflating both front tires of the suspect’s vehicle. The vehicle eventually stopped.

The suspect, identified as Justus W. Simmons, 41, of Sunset Beach, allegedly refused to get out of the vehicle but was removed by deputies and taken into custody.

Authorities reported that Simmons, a convicted felon, had a gun in his vehicle and was seen attempting to reach for it during the pursuit. He was wanted for a shooting in Robeson County and had been evading arrest.

Simmons faces multiple felony charges in Robeson County, including Assault with a Deadly Weapon Inflicting Serious Injury, Fleeing to Elude Arrest with a Motor Vehicle, and Multiple Traffic Violations.

In Columbus County, he is charged with Fleeing to Elude Arrest with a Motor Vehicle and Resisting a Public Officer.

The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is also pursuing additional charges related to the pursuit.

Following his arrest, Simmons was taken back to Robeson County. His vehicle was seized under the Run and Done Law and towed.