Tarboro, NC – Edgecombe County Sheriff’s Deputy David Manning was killed in the line of duty on Sunday evening, when he collided with another vehicle during a pursuit.

Deputy Manning, 24, made a U-turn at approximately 6 p.m., in order to stop the driver of a Nissan Altima on Highway 111, Edgecombe County Sheriff Clee Atkinson during a Monday press conference.

The North Carolina Highway Patrol (NCHP) said that Deputy Manning was pursuing the suspect, when he lost control of his patrol vehicle on a curve, WITN reported.

His cruiser then collided with a Chevy Silverado pickup, and Deputy Manning succumbed to his injuries at the scene, the sheriff said.

According to WITN, the deputy was ejected from the vehicle during the head-on crash.

Two individuals inside the pickup sustained serious injuries, but were expected to recover, Sheriff Atkinson said.

The driver of the Nissan drove into a ditch approximately one quarter mile later, and then ran from the scene, Sheriff Atkinson said. Despite an extensive search, which included K9 units and officers from multiple departments, the suspect was not located.

The North Carolina State Highway Patrol investigation into the crash was ongoing, he said.

Deputy Manning was hired by the Edgecombe County Sheriff’s Office on Nov. 8, 2017.

“We are truly saddened by the loss of Deputy Manning,” Sheriff Atkinson said. “All parties involved in this fatal collision will continue to be in our prayers. Everyone.”

The sheriff left the briefing without taking any questions.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Edgecombe County Sheriff’s Deputy David Manning, both blood and blue. Godspeed, we will take the watch from here.

Thank you for your service.