06/11/2026
Updated information Regarding Vehicle Pursuit
Vehicle Pursuit Ends Safely; Three Children Protected
On June 10, 2026, at approximately 10:50 p.m., deputies with the Martin County Sheriff’s Office attempted to stop a Dodge Caravan after observing the vehicle being operated in a reckless manner.
The driver refused to stop and led deputies on a vehicle pursuit that continued into Edgecombe County. During the pursuit, deputies learned that three children were inside the vehicle along with the driver.
Given the presence of the children, deputies remained focused on bringing the incident to a safe conclusion while protecting the lives of everyone involved. When an opportunity presented itself, deputies safely intervened and brought the pursuit to an end in the area of 3818 Chinquapin Road, Tarboro.
The three children were safely removed from the vehicle and no injuries were reported among the occupants of the Dodge Caravan. While no major injuries occurred, a Martin County Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicle sustained damage during the incident.
“The safety of these children was our highest priority throughout this event,” said Sheriff Drew Robinson. “I am proud of the professionalism, restraint, and sound decision-making demonstrated by our deputies as they worked to bring this situation to a safe conclusion.”
The Martin County Sheriff’s Office is grateful that this incident ended without serious injury and remains committed to protecting the citizens of our community, especially those who are unable to protect themselves.
SUSPECT:
Morgan Irene Whitley; W/F, DOB: 03-13-1990, 3050 Kader Lilley Road, Williamston
Charges:
Felony Flee to Elude, Failure to Heed Blue Lights / Siren, Reckless Driving (Wanton Disregard), 3 Counts Misdemeanor Child Abuse, Hit & Run, Exceeding Posted Speed Limit, Driving Left of Center, 2 Counts Felony Assault Inflicting Physical Injury to Law Enforcement and DWI.
BOND: $51,000.00 secured
The following agencies assisted in this incident and the Martin County Sheriff's Office thanks them for their help: Williamston Police Department, Edgecombe County Sheriff's Office and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional information will be released as appropriate.
For realtime information, updates and notifications, download the free Martin County Sheriff’s Office mobile app by clicking the following links:
For iPhone users:
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/martin-county-sheriff-nc/id6746771410
For Android users:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ocv.a1433&pcampaignid=web_
Drew Robinson, Sheriff of Martin County