UPDATED July 8 at 11:35 a.m.
The Highway Patrol has identified the motorcyclist who died while trying to escape Columbus County deputies Monday evening.
Colton Michael Newman, 20, of Fort Bragg, rammed into another vehicle at N.C. 87 and Kennedy Store Road at East Arcadia, just across the street the Bladen-Columbus line. The driver in the other vehicle was injured, and was transported to New Hanover Regional with non-life threatening injuries.
N.C. 87 was blocked in both directions for several hours following the crash.
Sheriff W.R. “Bill” Rogers said deputies from the HEAT team were on patrol on N.C. 87 when the motorcycle passed them in the opposite direction at a high rate of speed. The deputies turned around and initiated pursuit. Speeds reportedly reached 130 miles per hour at one point.
The names of the motorcyclist and the driver of the vehicle he struck have not been released.
The Highway Patrol’s investigating the crash. Sgt. J. Freeman of the Patrol said names have not been released pending notification of kin.
This is a developing story.
Copyright 2026 Columbuscountynews.com. All Rights Reserved.
