ELKIN, NC (WFMY) - The man wanted in the murder of North Carolina Highway Patrol Trooper Samuel Bullard has been arrested.
Dakota Whitt, 22, was taken into custody around 3:30 a.m. Wednesday during a traffic stop in Wilkes County after investigators received a tip. Whitt was then transported to the Wilkes County Detention Center in Wilkesboro.
He appeared in court Wednesday morning where a judge ordered Whitt be held without bond.
Bullard died Monday after a high-speed chase while pursuing a suspect on Interstate 77 in Elkin.
PHOTOS | Remembering Trooper Samuel Bullard
Investigators were looking for Whitt of Elkin who was driving a BMW. Whitt was involved in a pursuit after he drove through a checkpoint. Trooper P.E. Ellis and Bullard began the chase in Surry County.
During the pursuit, Trooper Bullard crashed near the NC Highway 67 exit on I-77 south. Police say at one point, one trooper noticed Bullard was no longer following him and turned around to see Bullard's car engulfed in flames. The trooper couldn't rescue Bullard, a three-year Highway Patrol veteran.
After a search, police located the BMW along with the registered owner, Cheyenne Harrison. However, Whitt was behind the wheel driving.
Investigators obtained warrants charging Whitt with Murder, Felony Fleeing to Elude Arrest in a Motor Vehicle and Driving with a Revoked License.
Investigators said they're also looking at other persons of interest in the case.
FUNERAL INFORMATION
A funeral will be held for Trooper Bullard on Friday at 1:00 p.m. at the John A. Walker Center on the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro. He will be buried with full honors.
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