Driver dies after pursuit, gunfire exchange ends with crash on 421
Published 10:48 pm Monday, March 6, 2023
The driver of a Toyota Tacoma was killed after refusing a traffic stop by a Forsyth County Sheriff’s deputy and leading law enforcement on a pursuit that ended with a crash where gunfire was also exchanged early on Monday morning, shutting down U.S. 421 North for several hours.
The driver of the Toyota Tacoma was identified as Alexander Parks Holland, a 29-year old white male from Charleston, South Carolina.
During the pursuit, Holland shot multiple times at patrol vehicles. Officers with the Winston-Salem Police Department and the North Carolina Highway Patrol responded and assisted. The pursuit concluded in a crash on U.S. 421 northbound at approximately 2:21 a.m. Holland
continued to actively shoot at deputies, resulting in an officer-involved-shooting. EMS responded to attend to a deputy and Holland.
The suspect sustained injuries from the crash and from being struck during the exchange of gunfire. After the suspect no longer posed a threat to officers, the responding officers attempted life-saving efforts until EMS arrived. Holland was declared dead on-scene by EMS.
Thankfully no bystanders were involved or injured.
Multiple patrol vehicles were struck by bullets as the suspect continued to shoot at responding officers even after the truck crashed and rolled. One deputy was transported to a local hospital, treated for non-life-threatening injuries and released. All other law enforcement officers were physically unharmed during this incident.
“Firstly, we extend our condolences to the friends and loved ones of Mr. Holland. This is truly a reminder of the danger that the men and the women who serve and protect encounter daily. Because of our love and our commitment to our community, you can rest assured that we are proud to serve and protect, and we will continue to do so. All that we ask in return is your continued prayers and support.” Sheriff Bobby F. Kimbrough Jr. said.
The three deputies involved in this shooting will be placed on administrative leave as is standard procedure. The deputies are cooperating with the investigation during this time.
Inquiries related to the SBI investigation should be directed to SBI Public Information Director Anjanette Grube at agrube@ncsbi.gov.
As always, anyone with information related to criminal activity should contact the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office directly at 336-727-2112; anonymously text information, photos, and video via Text-A-Tip at 336-920-8477; or anonymously call Crime Stoppers at 336-727-2800 for English or 336-728-3904 for Spanish.