A Wilkes County man was killed Wednesday evening in a motorcycle crash while being pursed by the North Carolina Highway Patrol. Two troopers were in pursuit of the motorcycle operated by Cody Adam Cooper, age 26 of the Ferguson Community. The accident occurred on U.S. 421 near South Minton Road. The chase began after a trooper attempted to stop the motorcycle for a speeding violation.
A highway Patrol press release says the officers have been placed on administrative duty pending an internal investigation, which is standard procedure. Involved in the pursuit of Cooper were Trooper J. E. Belcher, a 10-year veteran, and Trooper S. T. Hall, a four-year veteran.