Robeson Chase Ends at Boardman

A shooting suspect is in jail after leading deputies and troopers on a chase into Columbus County, where he was trapped near Boardman.
Justus Simmons, 41, allegedly reached for a firearm when he was finally cornered by Columbus and Robeson deputies. He was detained before being able to use the weapon, according to a release from the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office.

The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office said Simmons was wanted for a Jan. 7 shooting at the C&P Grocery near Maxton. Lee Shrader, 48, was hospitalized with non-life threatening injuries in that incident.
Robeson deputies were attempting a traffic stop on Simmons Thursday on Corey Road when he fled at a high rate of speed, a release from the RCSO. He managed to evade tire deflation devices several times before gaining access to U.S. 74 East.
Simmons then fled toward Columbus County, where RCSO had alerted deputies of the pursuit. Members of the Heavy Enforcement Action Team (HEAT), along with deputies and command staff responded.
The HEAT units deployed to intercept Simmons at the Boardman overpass, and used two sets of tire deflation devices to disable the suspect vehicle. Simmons continued roughly a quarter mile on the rims before he was blocked in and ordered to exit the vehicle.
Simmons refused, according to the CCSO press release, and was forcibly removed from the vehicle.
Multiple law enforcement officers were involved in the chase and pursuit, which led to a brief slowdown in traffic while Simmons was arrested and the vehicle secured.
Simmons is a convicted felon and was found to have a firearm in his vehicle at the time of the pursuit, the CCSO press release said. “During the chase, Simmons was observed attempting to reach for the firearm with the intent to use it against both Columbus County and Robeson County deputies, including command staff who were actively engaged in the pursuit. Due to the quick and decisive actions of law enforcement, the threat was neutralized before the suspect could carry out his intentions.”
Simmons is being held under $100,000 secured bond in the Robeson County Detention Center on charges of assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injuries, fleeing to elude arrest, resisting an officer, and multiple traffic violations. He will also faces charges from the CCSO and N.C. Highway Patrol. Arrest recoprds show that he lives in Sunset Beach.
Simmons’ vehicle was seized under the “Run and Done” Law.
“This is exactly why strong partnerships between law enforcement agencies are critical. This individual was a clear threat to public safety, and his actions showed a blatant disregard for the lives of law enforcement officers and the community,” Sheriff Bill Rogers said. “Thanks to the swift coordination between the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office, the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office, and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, we were able to end this pursuit safely and ensure that this dangerous felon will face justice.”