North Carolina Sheriff's Deputy Killed in Crash

A Scotland County, North Carolina Sheriff's deputy was killed in a single-vehicle crash while on duty Thursday night.

Deputy Alexis "Thunder" Eagle Locklear was responding to help another officer who was actively pursuing a suspect when the wreck occurred on Old Wire Road near Wagram around 7 p.m., according to WBTW-TV.

The 24-year-old's patrol car was the only vehicle involved in the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Locklear served the Scotland County Sheriff's Office since May 16, 2017, after graduating from Robeson Community College Basic Law Enforcement Training the same month.

"This is an incredibly sad day for the Scotland County Sheriff's Office, and for the community we love and serve and for the law enforcement community as a whole," Sheriff Ralph Kersey said in a statement. "Deputy Locklear was loved, honored and respected. He brought great joy and pleasure in our hearts and spirits in our time of having him as a brother in this family we like to call home, here at the Scotland County Sheriff’s Office.

"Deputy Locklear will forever be in our hearts and minds. His memory will continue to live on as we continue the good fight that the Lord has called us to."

Funeral arrangements are pending.