At Daniel West's court appearance Thursday, his parents and his pastor were there to support him. Pastor James Perkins describes West as a church-going, young man.
"It's just a sad situation to happen to a good, young man," Perkins said. "He knew his parents may have a greater wraith for him possibly than what the police would do. He just made a bad decision."
The incident started Wednesday night when Garner police tried to pull over West for speeding on Timber Drive.
Authorities said West tried to evade officers, knocking other cars off the road. Police said West later drove through someone's yard, hitting a house near the intersection of Highway 50 and Rand Road.
Authorities said West then spun his car around and aimed it at a police cruiser. That is when authorities say Garner police officer David Taylor fired several shots at the vehicle.
West later ditched his car at the Arbor Green subdivision and ran. West was captured by a Wake County sheriff deputy a hour later.
West does not have a prior criminal record. Taylor has been with the police department for three years. He has been placed on administrative leave, which is standard procedure in a case like this.
West is out on bond and he will be back in court next month.
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