Garner manhunt called off after failing to net Raleigh robbery suspect
State and local authorities were unsuccessful Tuesday in their search for a robbery suspect following a police chase and collision in Garner.
Willonte Jamal Papa Miller-Torres, 20, of Raleigh, was wanted by Raleigh police in connection with a March 16 armed robbery in a room at the Wake Inn, at 3120 New Bern Ave.
"At this point, we believe the suspect is no longer in the area, is still at large, and we are working with the Raleigh Police Department in an attempt to locate and apprehend him," Garner Police Chief Brandon Zuidema said.
Garner police were pursuing Miller-Torres when two patrol cars collided near the intersection of Old Stage and Grovemont roads, Zuidema said. One officer was injured in the collision and was taken to WakeMed. His name and condition haven't been released.
A second officer walked away from the crash unharmed and continued in the search for Miller-Torres, police said.
Miller-Torres' car ran off the road into a ditch, and he jumped out and fled on foot into some nearby woods, Zuidema said. Police said he was wearing a gold jumpsuit at the time.
Garner police officers, Wake County deputies and State Highway Patrol troopers locked down an area as far south as Legend Road and included parts of U.S. Highway 401 to the west, which tied up traffic. K-9s were used on the ground, and a Highway Patrol helicopter assisted the search from the air.
Homes and businesses in the area were searched, and authorities asked people to stay inside.
"I just was in fear that somebody had been seriously injured or harmed," Kristina Taylor, who works at a Citgo gas station at corner of Fayetteville and Lenten roads, said about the manhunt. "For all the different things I was seeing – the cop cars everywhere, the K-9s, the helicopter – my first fear was instantly who's at harm."
"The helicopter was flying over multiple times. It was kinds of scary, surprising at first, but seeing the presence of [law enforcement], it felt safe that they were out here trying to get their job done," said Chris Sears, and employee of Mr. Smokestack Chimney Service. "
Miller-Torres has several convictions for breaking and entering and larceny, and he was on probation after being released from prison in January, according to state Department of Public Safety records. He has pending charges of three counts of robbery with a dangerous weapon and three counts of conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon in the March 16 robbery.
Police said Miller-Torres also will be charged with felony speeding to elude and various traffic violations in Tuesday's incident.
