Woman who injured Zebulon police officer had history of fleeing arrest

Deserie Ann Byrum, 51, appeared in court on Tuesday, where prosecutors said the police officer accidentally shot himself while being dragged 50 yards, half the length of a football field, by Byrum's car as she fled the scene.

At approximately 9:45 p.m. on Monday, Officer Colby James, a four-year veteran of the Zebulon Police Department, located Byrum trespassing after hours at the Zebulon Community Park.

Byrum had a warrant from Randolph County for fleeing arrest, reckless driving, failing to heed to lights and sirens and expired registration and outstanding warrants from Arizona for unlawful flight from a law enforcement vehicle and assault on a law enforcement officer.

When James attempted to take Byrum into custody, she attempted to flee in a white Lexus.

James was pinned in the door and took his gun out of his holster as Byrum drove away. The officer was dragged by her car, and when the Lexus crashed into bushes and shrubs, the gun discharged. James was shot in the arm and fell from the car.

Byrum was later apprehended in Johnston County by the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, and she was turned over to the Zebulon Police Department.

James was transported to WakeMed and released on Tuesday.

Byrum was held on $250,000 bond.

In a Facebook post, the Zebulon Police Department wrote, "We are grateful that our officer was not more seriously injured last night and pray for his recovery over the coming weeks."