Report: Raleigh officer who fired weapon thought suspect was going to hit him

The Raleigh Police Department on Friday released more details about a shooting and chase that ended on Western Boulevard Monday afternoon.

According to the report, Ronie Demitri Hyman, 22, initially stole a GMC SUV from the 1000 block of N. King Charles Road.

Shortly after the car was reported stolen, Sgt. S.A. Brown saw the vehicle traveling near Poole Road. Brown radioed for assistance and continued to follow the vehicle at a distance. Senior Officer J.C. Vucich was close by and responded to assist Brown.

While Vucich was en route, the stolen vehicle came to a stop behind a vehicle on Merrywood Drive, at the intersection of Rock Quarry Road, according to the report. There, Brown pulled up behind the stolen car.

The report said both Vucich and Brown got out of their vehicles to approach Hyman when he turned his wheels to the left and accelerated rapidly, directly toward Vucich.

Vucich, who believed that Hyman was attempting to hit him with the vehicle, fired two shots at the vehicle, the report said. Hyman was not hit but continued to flee in the stolen vehicle and headed south on Rock Quarry Road.

About 20 police vehicles were involved in the chase, which ultimately ended on Western Boulevard, near the North Carolina State University campus.

According to RPD policy, only two police vehicles are permitted to be actively involved in any chase.

Hyman is charged with larceny of a motor vehicle, felony speed to elude, hit and run and careless and reckless driving.

He was transported to the Wake County Detention Center after being treated for injuries at WakeMed.

During Hyman's first court appearance, his attorney, Abraham Fapajuwo, said Hyman is mentally ill and refuses to take his medications.

Hyman has a lengthy criminal history, including a charge of trying to run over a police officer with a stolen car in 2017.