When the Guilford County Sheriff’s Department reported this weekend that a suspect fleeing at high speeds from a sheriff’s deputy had crashed in front of Vandalia Christian School, that was sad enough; however, on Tuesday, April 23, the department had some even sadder news to convey: One of the vehicle’s passengers, a two-month-old infant, had passed away from injuries sustained in the crash.
In a press release regarding the tragic outcome, Guilford County Sheriff Danny Rogers stated that he was deeply saddened to announce the death of the child in the vehicle that was being driven by 28-year-old Alton Johnny Bright Jr., who’s now facing second-degree murder charges on top of his many other charges.
Three other passengers in the fleeing vehicle – one adult and two juveniles –sustained “non-life-threatening injuries.”
Because of the child’s death, Bright Jr. was served with a warrant for second-degree murder on April 23.
He’s currently being held in the Guilford County jail in downtown Greensboro under no bond until his first appearance.
Sheriff Rogers issued the following statement: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. The loss of a child is a heartbreaking event that no family should ever have to endure. Let us come together as a community to support each other and recommit ourselves to ensuring the safety of all who travel on our roads.”
The Guilford County Sheriff’s Department reported last weekend that, on Tuesday, April 16, at just after 11:15 p.m., a deputy with the department attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Pleasant Garden Road near Industrial Avenue.
The report stated that the driver sped up to flee from the deputy, who followed for about a mile before the vehicle crashed in front of Vandalia Christian School.
At the time of the crash, according to the Sheriff’s Department, the deputy was still some distance behind the suspect and there was never any physical contact between the deputy’s vehicle and the driver’s car.
After the crash, Bright Jr., fled on foot while Sherriff’s Department officers gave aid to the passengers in the car.
In addition to the murder charge, Bright Jr. faces the following charges:
- Felony Speed to Elude
- Possession of a Firearm by a Felon
- Possession of a Stolen Firearm
- Possession of Marijuana
- Careless and Reckless Driving
- Speeding
- Felony Hit and Run with Serious Injury
- Possession with Intent to Manufacture and Sell, Deliver a Schedule III Controlled Substance.
The accident is currently being investigated by the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
If you have any information regarding the incident, you should contact Detective S. Shanks at 336-641-5966 or Guilford County Crime Stoppers at 336-373-1000.
It sounds like felony murder to me.
Rest assured, before the street thug ever steps inside State penitentiary the final conviction will be for far, far less.
Nowadays like convictions see the killers spending less than TEN YEARS actually incarcerated.
Charge him with federal statutes- felon in possession of a stolen firearm on school property.
He should never be free again-2 year old innocently lost life-family stuffing a senseless act. What a coward!
Another frequent flyer who probably shouldn’t have been out walking around. Thank another revolving door judge, or lax DA.
Very sad. Was Bright, Jr. the father of the infant? Was the infant’s mother in the car? A follow-up report would be helpful.
Yet another fool out of prison, and getting ready to go back. They will never learn because money and drugs are too enticing to turn down and get a real job. Spending his money on tattoos is also not what you’d call spending wisely. Sad.