On Dec. 5, 2022, at approximately 8 p.m., the Goldsboro Police Department was notified by the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, via Wayne County Communications, of a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed. The vehicle was traveling westbound on U.S. 70 from the LaGrange area. A Wayne County Sheriff’s deputy conducting business checks located a suspicious vehicle at Deacon Jones Chevrolet at 6595 E US 70, LaGrange. When the deputy turned around to investigate further, the vehicle fled the area at a high rate of speed.

Once in the 4200 blk of US 70 E, the driver then lost control of the vehicle and ran off the road to the right. The vehicle struck a culvert, went airborne and struck a light pole before overturning in the parking lot of 4209 US 70 E. There were two occupants in the vehicle, and both were ejected from the vehicle during the crash. 

A trooper with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol was in the area when the crash occurred and stopped at the scene, along with the initial Sheriff’s deputy.

The Goldsboro Police Department, Goldsboro Fire Department, and Wayne County EMS also responded to the scene. The Goldsboro Police Department Traffic Unit initiated an investigation of the crash with the assistance of the State Highway Patrol.

The occupants of the vehicle were identified as a known 15 year old juvenile and 18 year old Jakoree Donnell Harper.

Responding EMS personnel declared a known juvenile deceased at the scene. Jakoree Harper was transported to UNC Health Wayne and treated for injuries sustained in the crash. It was last reported that Harper was in stable condition at UNC Health Wayne.

It is unknown at this time who was driving the vehicle. The traffic crash investigation continues by the Goldsboro Police Department.

It was also determined that the vehicle involved had been stolen from the Deacon Jones dealership in LaGrange.  The investigation of the stolen vehicle is being conducted by the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office.