COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC. (THECOUNT) — A North Carolina state trooper has been shot and killed during a traffic stop in Columbus County early Wednesday, officials confirmed. A local news outlet has identified the trooper as Kevin Conner. The NC Highway Patrol has not confirmed the slain officer’s identity.

According to Sergeant Michael Baker, the trooper was shot shortly after midnight on US 701 near Sellers Town Road, in Whiteville, NC.

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Following the shooting, the trooper was rushed to an area hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

The suspect was located and taken into custody after an extensive search of the surrounding area, according to NCHP. source

The identity of the trooper who was killed has not been released. Highway Patrol has not released any suspect information at this time.