Deputy killed trying to catch up to chase on Scotland County road

Authorities say a sheriff's deputy in North Carolina has died after his cruiser ran off the road and hit a tree as he tried to catch up to a chase.

The Highway Patrol says 24-year-old Scotland County deputy Alexis Locklear wrecked his car Thursday evening on a two-lane road near Wagram.

Troopers say he died at the scene and a special team is investigating the crash.

Scotland County Sheriff Ralph Kersey says Locklear was trying to catch up to another officer who was chasing a vehicle when he wrecked. A statement from the sheriff didn't give any other details about the pursuit.

Kersey says Locklear was approaching his one-year anniversary with the force and was loved, honored and respected by his fellow officers.

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