Via CCSO

On February 6, 2025, Columbus County Sheriff’s Office was alerted by Columbus Central Communications that the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office was in active pursuit of a suspect vehicle traveling eastbound on U.S. 74 toward Columbus County. The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office Heavy Enforcement Action Team (H.E.A.T.), deputies, and command staff immediately responded and joined the pursuit, while members of H.E.A.T. positioned themselves just east of the Boardman overpass to intercept the vehicle. As the suspect approached at a high rate of speed, H.E.A.T. deputies successfully deployed stop sticks, deflating both front tires of the fleeing vehicle. The suspect continued for approximately a quarter of a mile before the vehicle became immobilized. Despite refusing to exit the vehicle, deputies swiftly removed the suspect and took him into custody without further incident. The suspect, Justus W. Simmons, 41, of Sunset Beach, NC, is a convicted felon and was found to have a firearm in his vehicle at the time of the pursuit. During the chase, Simmons was observed attempting to reach for the firearm with the intent to use it against both Columbus County and Robeson County deputies, including command staff who were actively engaged in the pursuit. Due to the quick and decisive actions of law enforcement, the threat was neutralized before the suspect could carry out his intentions.

Simmons was wanted in connection to a violent shooting incident in Robeson County and was actively evading arrest. He now faces multiple felony charges in Robeson County, including:

Assault with a Deadly Weapon Inflicting Serious Injury
Fleeing to Elude Arrest with a Motor Vehicle
Multiple Traffic Violations
Additionally, Simmons now faces new charges in Columbus County, including:

Fleeing to Elude Arrest with a Motor Vehicle
Resisting a Public Officer
Furthermore, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol is also pursuing additional charges against Simmons related to his reckless actions during the pursuit.

After his arrest, Simmons was transported back to Robeson County by the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office. Columbus County H.E.A.T. deputies seized the vehicle in accordance with the Run and Done Law, and it was towed by Cerro Gordo Body Shop.

Sheriff Bill Rogers emphasized the importance of multi-agency cooperation in stopping dangerous offenders and preventing further acts of violence.

“This is exactly why strong partnerships between law enforcement agencies are critical. This individual was a clear threat to public safety, and his actions showed a blatant disregard for the lives of law enforcement officers and the community. Thanks to the swift coordination between the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office, the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office, and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, we were able to end this pursuit safely and ensure that this dangerous felon will face justice.”

The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to strong partnerships with law enforcement agencies across the region and within our own county, to enhance public safety and hold offenders accountable.