Joshua Carter Jr, Braylen Newson Death News – A high-speed police chase in Wayne County ended tragically late Sunday night, resulting in the deaths of two teenagers and the arrest of two others. According to authorities, the pursuit began shortly before 11:30 p.m. when North Carolina State Highway Patrol troopers spotted a Mustang traveling at speeds exceeding 120 mph on U.S. Highway 70. Despite attempts by officers to pull the vehicle over, the car did not stop, prompting a dangerous pursuit through the area.
During the chase, officers monitored the vehicle’s erratic behavior. According to radio communications captured on Broadcastify, troopers noted that the car’s lights were being intermittently turned on and off, creating additional hazards during the high-speed pursuit. The vehicle continued to evade law enforcement until it lost control on Pinkney Road near Kenly, colliding with a tree with devastating force.
The crash claimed the lives of Joshua Carter Jr., 18, and Braylen Newson, 16, who were both passengers in the back seat of the Mustang. The impact ejected both teenagers from the car, and they were pronounced dead at the scene. Troopers reported that when they arrived, two occupants were conscious while two others were unconscious, reflecting the severity of the collision. The magnitude of the crash highlights the extreme risks associated with high-speed pursuits, particularly when vehicles are operated recklessly.
The driver of the Mustang, a 17-year-old, along with a front-seat passenger, 16, survived the crash and were taken to UNC Wayne Hospital in Goldsboro with injuries described as non-life-threatening. Both teenagers are expected to face criminal charges related to the pursuit and the resulting fatal crash. Authorities noted that the vehicle contained alcohol, marijuana, and two firearms, suggesting that the occupants were engaging in multiple illegal activities prior to the pursuit.
The incident has drawn attention to the policies and decision-making process surrounding high-speed pursuits by law enforcement in North Carolina. The NC State Highway Patrol permits troopers to engage in a chase when the suspect is perceived as a potential threat to public safety. Officers are instructed to weigh numerous factors before initiating or continuing a pursuit, including the time of day, traffic conditions, weather, and the type of roadway. For example, a trooper may be more likely to pursue a speeding vehicle on a relatively empty highway rather than a road with multiple intersections or heavy traffic.
Supervisors and officers on the scene also retain the authority to terminate a chase if conditions become too hazardous, reflecting the delicate balance between enforcing the law and protecting the safety of the public. High-speed chases pose a significant risk not only to suspects and officers but also to bystanders and other motorists, making careful judgment crucial in these situations.
In the case of the Wayne County chase, the combination of excessive speed, substance use, and the presence of firearms created a scenario in which the consequences were catastrophic. Investigators continue to examine the details surrounding the incident, including the actions of the driver and passengers prior to and during the pursuit. Authorities also plan to review the response and actions of the troopers involved to determine whether all protocols were followed in line with departmental policies.
The deaths of Carter and Newson have deeply affected the community, highlighting the tragic outcomes that can result from reckless driving and high-speed pursuits. Families, friends, and local residents are mourning the loss of two young lives, while officials emphasize the importance of road safety and adherence to traffic laws. The incident serves as a stark reminder of how quickly a situation can escalate when speed, illegal substances, and weapons intersect with high-risk driving.
As the investigation continues, authorities are focused on both holding those responsible accountable and reviewing policies to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The surviving teenagers, law enforcement officers, and the community are left grappling with the aftermath of a pursuit that ended in irreversible loss and underscores the dangers inherent in high-speed chases.
