FORSYTH COUNTY, N.C. — A South Carolina man is dead after shooting at five Forsyth County law enforcement officers during a chase that resulted in a crash, according to officials.
It happened on US 421 near North Peace Haven Road in Forsyth County around 2 a.m.
Alexander Parks Holland, 29, sustained injuries from the crash and was shot during the exchange of gunfire.
No bystanders were involved or injured.
Multiple patrol cars were hit during the shooting as Holland continued to shoot at officers even after his car crashed and rolled over.
"Firstly, we extend our condolences to the friends and loved ones of Mr. Holland. This is truly a reminder of the danger that the men and the women who serve and protect encounter daily," Sheriff Bobby Kimbrough wrote in a statement. "All that we ask in return in your continued prayers and support."
Forsyth County deputies said a traffic stop led to a chase and a suspect shooting at them multiple times.
Forsyth County Sheriff's Office said a deputy tried to pull Holland over. They said he refused to stop, and a chase started.
During the chase, officials said Holland fired several shots at patrol cars and eventually, the chase ended in a crash on the northbound side of the highway.
During the shooting, officials said a deputy was hit, but we don't know their current condition.
Daniel Sell lives nearby - just off exit 240. He said he woke up to the sound of sirens.
"I leave my windows open so I can hear the cars racing on the street and all of a sudden, I just hear this car - it sounded like it was just speeding or something and I thought nothing of it, and then all of a sudden I hear shots," he said.
Claira Hancock also lives in the area. She says she had a hard time falling back to sleep following the commotion.
“I woke my husband up and I thought that I heard someone knocking on my door because it was so loud, I didn’t realize that it could’ve been gunshots, but first it was like someone was at my house, but it was just the commotion from the highway being so close we just heard everything," said Hancock.
The sheriff's office said a deputy and the driver were treated for injuries. We don't know anything about their conditions at this time.
Three Forsyth County deputies and two Winston-Salem police officers are on administrative leave while the investigation continues.
