FRANKLINTON, N.C. -- The town of Franklinton is taking action in the wake of a police chase that ended with the loss of three lives.
 

 

On Dec. 1, Franklinton police officer Michael Dunlap was pursuing a suspect, Guy Ayscue, when Ayscue's vehicle crossed the center line and collided with another car in Granville County.

 

Ayscue and the passengers of that car, Lindsay Lunsford, 18, and her sister Maggie, 9, died.

 

Dunlap and Ayscue were both going about 90 miles per hour prior to the crash.

 

Tuesday Franklinton's board commissioners unanimously agreed to take town attorney Mitch Styers' recommendation to appoint a committee to evaluate the town's police procedures.

 

Initially, Styers considered suggesting the town hire an independent consultant for the job.

 

The review will be of all procedures, not just those for high speed chases. The committee is to suggest any changes that could be made to improve the standard operating procedures.

 

Styers say the committee will be comprised of law enforcement experts, a town commissioner, the town manager, and a member of the public. Styers is also trying to bring in someone from the Department of Justice.

 

It is likely the evaluation process will take about six months.

 

Dunlap is currently on paid administrative leave. The review of police procedures is independent of any action town staff can take in regards to Dunlap's position on the force.

 

Additional Links:

Chief: Officer Appeared To Follow Policy

North Carolina Has No Standard For Police Pursuits

Should NC Officer Have Stopped The Pursuit