Armed suspect shot and killed after two-county chase, Alamance County officials say

A suspect who allegedly stepped out of a vehicle with knife was shot and killed Thursday, May 6, after leading deputies and police on a chase across Orange and Alamance counties, according to the Alamance County Sheriff’s Office.

The suspect was identified on May 14 as James Joseph James of Oak Island, N.C., according to a press release.

Investigators say the chase started around 11:50 p.m. Wednesday in Orange County, with the Orange County sheriff’s deputies in pursuit. Alamance County deputies and Mebane police got involved when the suspect crossed the county line.

“The pursuit ended at approximately 12 a.m. at the intersection of W. Harden St. and N. Maple St. in Graham, N.C., by an Alamance County Sheriff’s Deputy,” the sheriff’s office said in the release.

“The suspect, James Joseph James, immediately exited the vehicle displaying a knife, lunging towards Alamance County Sheriff’s Deputy W. Reyes.”

Reyes and Mebane Police Officer K. Kimery both fired their weapons “striking Mr. James to stop the threat,” the release said. James died at the scene, officials said.

No officers or deputies were hurt during the incident, officials said. The N.C. Bureau of Investigation is investigating the shooting.

“As per policy, the officers have been placed on administrative leave pending completion of the investigation,” Alamance County officials said.

This story was originally published May 7, 2020 at 5:12 AM.