COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WWAY) –- The man who led authorities on a high-speed car chase that ended in an officer-involved shooting Sunday is now in critical condition, according to hospital staff.
According to District Attorney Jon David, investigators say the suspect in the chase has been identified as George Reynolds Evans, 60, of Jacksonville.
The Columbus County chase ended with multiple officers firing shots at Evans Sunday afternoon near East Columbus High School. Investigators say multiple officers from both the State Highway Patrol and the Columbus County Sheriff's Office shot at Evans.
Evans was transported to New Hanover Regional Medical Center for injuries, where hospital staff says he is now in critical condition this morning.
According to the Highway Patrol, the shooting happened around 2:20 p.m. on US 74/76 between Chauncey Road and Old Lake Road. Prior to that, law enforcement attempted to stop Evans' vehicle during a traffic stop on US 701 just south of Whiteville.
When Evans refused to stop for officers, the pursuit began. The vehicle eventually traveled onto US 74/76 towards Wilmington before coming to a final rest in the median. After that, Evans exited his vehicle and displayed a weapon, which is when officers began firing at him.
Evans now faces several charges in Jacksonville, including attempted murder. The State Bureau of Investigation is the lead investigating agency into this shooting incident.
Portions of US 74/76 were closed for much of the afternoon but later reopened.
