A seemingly routine traffic stop led to a Chapel Hill Police officer firing his weapon.
Just after 2:30 Monday afternoon, Officer Drew Cabe attempted to stop a vehicle for speeding, according to a release from the police department.
50-year-old Joanne Kay Hall of Durham was driving the vehicle that was allegedly speeding. She fled the scene and a pursuit ensued.
The vehicle was then stopped in traffic near the intersection of U.S. 15-501 and Manning Drive.
As the officer approached the stopped vehicle, Hall allegedly backed up before driving toward and striking the officer. Officials say the officer then was thrown on the hood of the vehicle before rolling off. Officer Cabe fired one shot to deflate the vehicle’s left-rear tire.
After another quick pursuit, Hall was taken into custody without further incident. No one was injured.
Police Chief Chris Blue released the following statement, “This incident highlights how quickly a seemingly routine encounter can turn into something possibly deadly. I am glad that neither the officer nor Ms. Hall was harmed in this encounter.”
Hall has been charged with Speeding to Elude Arrest, Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Kill on a Governmental Officer, Hit & Run, and Possession of a Stolen Vehicle – all felonies. She’s also been charged with five misdemeanors: resisting arrest, driving while license revoked, speeding, careless and reckless driving, and failure to yield to blue lights/siren. She’s being held in Orange County jail under a $31,500 bond; her court appearance is Tuesday at 2 pm.
