Trooper kills murder suspect in shootout after high-speed chase ends in Raleigh
A State Highway Patrol trooper shot and killed a 20-year-old man during an exchange of gunfire in a South Raleigh neighborhood on Friday, the agency said.
Jaylen Latrelle Routt, of Fayetteville, was allegedly speeding and didn’t pull over for officers in Johnston County. He then engaged in a high-speed chase with troopers at around 1:08 a.m.
Routt was clocked at 101 mph in a 70 mph zone, according to a news release. Routt was wanted for crimes in Cumberland County, including murder, authorities said.
Routt allegedly fled from troopers on Interstate 40 westbound and exited onto Hammond Road at exit 299, where he crashed into a grassy lot at the intersection of East and Branch streets near downtown Raleigh, in a residential area.
The chase ended in a densely developed neighborhood off of Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard.
After officers attempted to take him into custody, a shootout with Routt ensued after he allegedly pulled out a firearm and shot at them.
Master Trooper Harrison Nazal of Johnston County returned fire and struck Routt, who died from his injuries at a WakeMed hospital.
By 9 a.m. Friday, the scene of the shooting had been cleared and children were waiting for their school buses.
The State Bureau of Investigation is reviewing the incident. Nazal is on administrative duty while the state investigates.
Routt was wanted in Fayetteville for first-degree murder of a minor in the January 2021 shooting of Anthony Adams, 17, according to WRAL.
Josh Shaffer contributed to this report.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREThis is a breaking news story
In a breaking news situation, facts may be unclear and details may change as the story develops. Our reporters are working to get information as quickly and accurately as possible. This story may be updated as more information becomes available. Refresh this page for the most up-to-date report.
This story was originally published September 1, 2023 at 9:31 AM.
