Town of Zebulon issued the following announcement on Dec. 5.
Last night, our department dealt with one of the worse calls we could get. “Signal 25” means an officer is down and/or an officer needs assistance. It’s the one call an officer never wants to hear. We are grateful that our officer was not more seriously injured last night and pray for his recovery over the coming weeks.
Clearly with an incident like this, we want to make sure thorough criminal and administrative investigations are conducted. We also want to be as transparent as possible with our community. There is still work to be done with these investigations, but we can share the following facts that are supported by evidence.
Around 9:40 pm on December 12, 2022, Officer Colby James checked in on a suspicious vehicle at Zebulon Community Park, located at 401 S. Arendell Ave. Through the course of questioning, Officer James determined that the suspect, Deserie Ann Byrum, aged 51, had an outstanding warrant from Randolph County for flee to elude arrest, reckless driving, fail to heed for lights and siren, and expired registration. Officer James informed Byrum that she was under arrest and asked her to step out of her car. Byrum put the white Lexus in drive and pressed the gas pedal, dragging Officer James. In just seconds, the car left paved driveway and traveled into the wooded playground, pinning James in the door jam. Officer James drew his issued firearm from his holster, while being dragged. The firearm discharged as the vehicle struck trees and shrubs. Officer James sustained a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to the left upper arm. He fell from the car as Byrum continued flight. Other officers on scene administered a tourniquet and care until Zebulon Fire and Wake County EMS arrived. James was transported to Wake Med and treated, then released early Tuesday morning.
Byrum’s white Lexus was located a short time later in Johnston County by the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office and North Carolina State Highway Patrol. A chase ensued, and spike strips were deployed. Through their joint efforts, Byrum was taken into custody in Johnston County and turned over to the Zebulon Police Department.
Zebulon Police have charged Byrum with assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury, damage to property, and careless and reckless driving. Zebulon officers served Johnston County warrants for flee to elude arrest and damage to property related to the earlier chase. The Randolph County warrant was served, as well.
Administrative processes are continuing at the police department. An internal review will be conducted, in accordance with department policy for any incident in which an officer’s firearm is discharged or force is used. Since the only person injured was the officer, the investigation will remain with the Zebulon Police Department, with consultation from the SBI and District Attorney’s Office.
Chief Jacqui Boykin said, “I am grateful for the support of our neighboring jurisdictions. Within minutes, officers from Wendell, Knightdale, Rolesville, Wake Forest, and the Wake County Sheriff’s Office were in town. Throughout the night, we had help from NC State Highway Patrol, Johnston County Sheriff’s Office, ALE, Wake ABC, CCBI, Wake Fire Services, and Emergency Management. These partnerships and cooperative working relationships led to the suspect being identified and apprehended in a short span of time. The charges brought against Byrum tonight and in the past few weeks demonstrate her general lack of concern for the sanctity of human life. With her in custody, we can focus on helping Officer James and his family heal and recover from this senseless act.”
Officer Colby James has been with the department for just over a year. He previously served the State Capitol Police for four years and the United States Marine Corps for five years. In October, he was named the department’s Officer of the Quarter. We ask our community to lift in prayer Officer Colby James, his family, and our entire department.
Original source can be found here.
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