Durham deputy’s car hit on way to chase

A Durham County deputy’s patrol car was damaged during a crash Tuesday as he responded to a chase that began in Granville County.

Deputy George Chappell was northbound on Page Road at 1:05 p.m. with his lights and siren on responding to a pursuit-related crash on Interstate 85 when his car was hit at the intersection at T.W. Alexander Drive, according to Paul Sherwin, public information officer for the Durham County Sheriff’s Office. The other driver, who was alone in the car, had the green light but didn’t see the deputy in time to stop, he said.

Chappell was not hurt, but the other driver, whose identity was not available Tuesday night, was taken to a nearby hospital because she was concerned that her ankle might be broken.

Sherwin said no charges were filed in that crash.

In Granville County, authorities said a deputy there stopped a car after seeing a possible drug deal. The car sped away as the deputy approached, dragging him about 60 feet. He recovered and rejoined the chase.

The car headed south on U.S. 15 and then entered southbound Interstate 85, where it slammed into a median guardrail between Red Mill and Redwood roads. The three men inside ran, but were arrested a short time later.

Linwood Davis, 28, of Durham, faces charges of cocaine trafficking, having cocaine for sale, keeping a dwelling for drug trafficking uses, having marijuana, eluding arrest with a motor vehicle, resisting officers, assaulting an officer and vandalism.

Davis was jailed on $500,000 bond.

Granville County Sheriff Brindell Wilkins, in a prepared statement, said a deputy stopped a vehicle and approached. As the deputy made contact with Davis and other suspects in the vehicle, the vehicle pulled away and dragged the deputy, running over his foot.

“He is fine,” Wilkins said. “He was dragged and the rear tire ran over his foot. EMS responders took care of him. It  does not appear to be broken.”

Also arrested on a charge each of resisting officers were Quentin Dion Brown, 21, and Justin Marquette Bullock, 20, both of Durham. Each received a $500 bond.

Wilkins said that Davis’ wreck occurred before assisting Durham deputies and state troopers reached the pursuit, but there were quickly many officers from area jurisdictions assisting at the scene.

Information from The Daily Dispatch in Henderson was used in this report.