FARMVILLE, N.C. (WITN) – The Highway Patrol said one of its troopers was forced to shoot a man during a chase after they said the man pointed a gun at the trooper.

According the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, at 7:04 am, a trooper was conducting speed enforcement on I-587 at the 40 mile marker near the Wilson and Greene County line and saw a burgundy 2023 Kia Carnival traveling east at 90 miles per hour in a 70 mile per hour zone.

They say the trooper initiated emergency equipment and the driver failed to stop, starting a pursuit until the driver exited onto US-258 into Farmville.

Troopers say the chase ended when the vehicle made an abrupt stop and the driver took off on foot at the intersection of US-258 at Bynum Drive.

The trooper chased the driver on foot through a residential area and into an open field.

Troopers said the man stopped, turned, and pointed a handgun at the pursuing member causing the trooper to fire their own gun and strike the suspect multiple times in the leg.

The suspect was secured, and aid was immediately rendered and a female passenger surrendered without incident and was not injured.

Authorities say the suspect was transported to ECU Health Medical Center by Pitt County EMS where he is receiving care for his injuries.

We’re told the trooper that was involved was not hurt.

The suspect was identified as Kenneth Kinard, 35, of Virginia Beach.

The suspect had multiple warrants for his arrest out of Virgina for contempt of court (FTA) for probation violation, possession of schedule I & II drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia and 3 counts of felony grand larceny.

A gun along with illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia were recovered from the scene, troopers say. Charges against Kinard are forthcoming.

The trooper has been placed on administrative duty which is standard procedure in these situations.

The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is conducting an independent investigation of the shooting.