A shootout between occupants of an SUV and a car at a gas station in Durham County, North Carolina, led to a chase and crash. Four children were in the SUV at the time. The incident began when a deputy heard gunfire in the area. The SUV and sedan fled the scene, but the SUV was later stopped and found with shell casings, drugs, and a handgun. The driver of the SUV was arrested and charged with fleeing to elude arrest. The incident is still under investigation. Rodney Overton reported

Shootout at Durham gas station leads to SUV crash with children inside

Four children were present in an SUV when a shootout erupted between the vehicle’s occupants and individuals in another car at a gas station in Durham County. According to the Durham County Sheriff’s Office, the incident unfolded on Friday night and resulted in a high-speed chase with the SUV, which eventually crashed a few miles away.

The ordeal commenced when a deputy patrolling the area of N.C. 98 and Mineral Springs Road heard gunfire at approximately 8:30 p.m. The source of the gunfire was identified as the Family Circus Gas Station, situated in the 200 block of Mineral Springs Road between Durham and Raleigh.

At the time of the incident, the SUV, carrying a total of eight individuals, including four juveniles, had stopped at the gas station to refuel. Shortly after, a sedan arrived at the scene, and for reasons yet unknown, shots were exchanged between the two vehicles.

By the time the deputy arrived at the gas station, both the red SUV and the black sedan had fled. However, another deputy spotted the SUV traveling at a high rate of speed and attempted to stop the driver. The driver failed to comply, leading to the SUV crashing approximately 3.5 miles away at the intersection of Carpenter’s Fletcher and Redwood roads.

An investigation revealed that the SUV contained several shell casings, a small amount of drugs, and a handgun. Shell casings were also discovered at the gas station. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in relation to the crash or the shootout.

The driver of the SUV, identified as 19-year-old Jaden Carranza from Benson, was charged with fleeing to elude arrest. Initially held on a $7,500 secured bond, Carranza’s bond was later reduced to $3,500, and he remains in custody at the Durham County Detention Center.

In addition, a passenger in the SUV, 21-year-old Isaiah Powell from Durham, was found to have outstanding arrest warrants. Powell was arrested but released on Monday after posting a $5,000 unsecured bond.

The occupants of the black sedan involved in the shootout have not yet been identified. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

.