Deaf Driver Had Prior Record, Led NC Trooper on High-Speed Chase Before Fatal OIS
The trooper's running account of the daylight pursuit challenges the belief by Harris’ family that the 29-year-old deaf man may not have heard or understood the trooper’s commands.
On Aug. 18 a North Carolina Highway Patrol trooper fatally shot a deaf motorist at the end of a high-speed vehicle pursuit Tuesday, the NCHP released audio of radio traffic from that chase, revealing that before the officer-involved shooting several attempts were made to stop the driver.
The short clip of radio traffic between the trooper and his dispatcher offers the most detailed account yet of the 7-mile chase, which started on Interstate 485 when the trooper said he clocked Daniel Harris’ Volvo going 88 mph in a 70 mph zone. It ended in a north Charlotte neighborhood.
The trooper's running account of the daylight pursuit challenges the belief by Harris’ family that the 29-year-old deaf man may not have heard or understood the trooper’s commands.
Based on the audio, that explanation seems unlikely. In his radio dispatches. The trooper describes to dispatch a chase down I-485 that reached speeds of up to 100 mph, the mile markers whipping by. He reports twice trying to stop Harris’ Volvo, first by strategically ramming the vehicle, then attempting a “rolling road block” later in the chase. Neither worked. Less than three minutes into the audio, the trooper says he tried to “PIT” Harris out on the exit ramp from I-485 onto Rocky River Road. That failed to end the pursuit as well.
The man drove on to his home. Where he tried to jump out and run. Seconds after the trooper informs dispatch the driver is out of the car and running, a shot was fired and the trooper called for an ambulance.
The trooper is on administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation, which could take up to three months, the Charlotte Observer reports.
According to public records, Harris was twice charged with resisting arrest in 2010. He was found guilty in Connecticut; in Florida, the charge was dropped.
More Patrol

Why Tennessee’s New Deadly Force Law Matters Beyond Tennessee
Tennessee’s new deadly force law is more limited than many may realize. Effective July 1, 2026, the law applies to a person who is not engaged in conduct that would constitute a felony or a Class A misdemeanor and who is in a place where the person lawfully resides. But it could have far-reaching influence.
Read More →
When Do You Transport a Wounded Officer by Police Vehicle?
Time-sensitive injuries like penetrating trauma mean a wounded officer needs to reach a trauma center as soon as possible, and in some cases, that means transporting by police vehicle rather than waiting for EMS. What are the factors to consider in making that transport decision?
Read More →
Safariland Solis Rethinks Concealable Duty
What if Level I retention didn’t require a full duty rig? Safariland’s Solis delivers trusted ALS security in a streamlined OWB platform built for administrative and plainclothes professionals who need protection without the bulk.
Read More →
5 Things to Know When Buying Backup Lights for Patrol Use
What is the value of a backup light, and what do you need to consider when selecting one? These smaller lights are invaluable as a secondary or special-purpose light and can be easily carried in a pocket or clipped to MOLLE gear, a key chain, shirt, or a vest.
Read More →
363 Fallen Officers Honored During National Police Week
In case you missed NELOMF’s annual Candlelight Vigil, here are all 363 names of the fallen officers whose names were added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial this year.
Read More →
NYPD Officers Who Responded Quickly During IED Incident Recognized as NLEOMF Officers of the Month
Chief Aaron Edwards and Sgt. Luis Navarro were recognized by NLEOMF as Officers of the Month for their response during an IED incident and their actions that helped prevent harm to the public.
Read More →
National Police Survey Reveals How Americans View Policing Today
A new national survey offers a comprehensive look at how Americans view policing. The study uncovers public sentiment toward local vs. federal police, communications, crisis response, the use of AI in policing, and more.
Read More →
Streamlight TLR-7 X Selected as Standard Issue Pistol Light by Canadian Federal Police
The Canadian Federal Police will be adding a new duty pistol system, which will include Streamlight’s TLR-7 X and a Glock 45 MOS 7 pistol with a red dot sight.
Read More →
Fallen Law Enforcement Officers from Across the Country to be Honored During 38th Annual Candlelight Vigil on May 13th in Washington, D.C.
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) will honor 363 fallen officers who have died in the line of duty as their names are added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial during the annual Candlelight Vigil on May 13.
Read More →
What Should Be in Your IFAK?
What should every officer include in an IFAK? Sydney Vail, M.D., a veteran trauma surgeon and former SWAT surgeon, explains which components are needed and which are not, and stresses training.
Read More →
