NC state trooper shot and killed conducting traffic stop

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC - A North Carolina state trooper has been shot and killed, and a suspect is in custody.

State highway patrol spokesman Michael Baker says the suspect, now identified as 20-year-old Raheem Cole Dashanell Davis, fired several shots as the trooper approached his vehicle during a traffic stop around 12:15 a.m. Wednesday. He died at a local hospital.

The trooper has been identified as Kevin K. Conner, an 11-year veteran, assigned to Troop B, District 5 in Columbus County.

Davis is charged with first degree murder in the case.

Related: Slain N. Carolina trooper remembered for heroism

"The tragic loss of Trooper Kevin Conner of the NC State Highway Patrol weighs heavily on our hearts. We are forever grateful for his devoted service and selfless commitment to protecting the people of North Carolina," Gov. Cooper said in a statement. "Our prayers are with his family and friends and his colleagues in law enforcement."

Baker says the suspect fled to Fair Bluff, where he was pursued by police until his vehicle became disabled on railroad tracks. The suspect fled on foot and was taken into custody around 4 a.m. He was transported to the Columbus County Jail by investigators.

The identity of the suspect hasn't yet been released.

The trooper was shot on U.S. 701 near Whiteville, in southeastern North Carolina. Fair Bluff is around 20 miles (32 kilometers) west of Fair Bluff, close to the South Carolina state line.

"The Highway Patrol family is mourning the loss of a hero and will forever be changed by the tragic events that have occurred", said Colonel Glenn McNeill Jr., commander of the State Highway Patrol. "We ask everyone to please keep Trooper Conner's family and all who knew him in your thoughts and prayers."

The Associated Press contributed to this story.