High-speed chase on New Year’s Eve ends in Duplin County

CHINQUAPIN — Authorities have identified Brandon Kelly, 33, of Jacksonville, as the suspect who tried to evade law enforcement at a checkpoint resulting in a high-speed chase on New Year’s Eve.

The dramatic pursuit began on Wilmington Highway in Jacksonville at 11:45 p.m., when Kelly fled from a police checkpoint and sped away, reaching dangerous speeds up to 120 mph. This reckless behavior prompted the intervention from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, who, along with the Onslow and Duplin County Sheriff’s offices and the Beulaville Police Department, assisted in the pursuit.

Kelly’s reckless behavior ended in a motorcycle crash near Chinquapin. He was thrown from his motorcycle after crashing at the intersection of Deep Bottom Road and George Dunn Sholar Road. He was airlifted to Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center for treatment.
As he faces multiple charges for his actions, the incident is a stark reminder of the dangers of reckless driving.
More information will follow as it becomes available.