Columbus County, NC : Man killed in deputy-involved crash near Haynes Lennon Road outside the Cerro Gordo community on Friday morning, June 24, 2016
Whiteville, North Carolina
Officials have identified the man killed in a wreck involving a sheriff's deputy in Columbus County Friday morning.
The collision took place around 7 a.m. on Princess Ann Road near Haynes Lennon Road outside the Cerro Gordo community.
According to officials, Deputy Ryan Gibson was traveling west on Princess Ann Road when he drifted left of center into the path of a GMC pickup truck.
The driver of the truck, Robert Brownlee, 30, of Fair Bluff, veered onto the right shoulder in an attempt to avoid the collision but was side-swiped by Gibson's cruiser. As a result, Brownlee was killed in the accident.
Gibson was also hurt in the crash, but his injuries were considered non-life-threatening. He was taken to Columbus County Regional for treatment.
Investigators determined that neither speed nor alcohol were factors in the crash. Troopers will be consulting with the District Attorney's Office to determine if charges are necessary.
According to Michelle Tatum, spokesperson for the Columbus County Sheriff's Office, Gibson was not engaged in a pursuit at the time of the collision.
Tatum said any disciplinary action taken against Gibson will be determined at the conclusion of the Highway Patrol's investigation.
Gibson joined the sheriff's office in August of 2015.
Source :
Troopers identify man killed in deputy-involved crash in Columbus County