PSO Brian Cox was traveling on W. Union St in a marked patrol unit when another vehicle failed to stop for the stop sign on Mimosa St at W. Union St., resulting in a collision with the patrol car. The driver and a passenger of the hit and run vehicle fled the scene on foot and ran toward Ashville St. A search of the immediate area was conducted. Officer Gillstrap and Orders located the driver and passenger hiding under a porch of a residence off Asheville St.

The driver of the hit and run vehicle was identified as Hector Alcon Chum and the passenger that fled was identified as 19 year old Santos Rosendo Son. Chum was charged with Felonious Hit and Run with Injuries, D.W.I., Resist, Delay and Obstruct an Officer, Driving with no Operators License and Safe Movement Violation. Son was charged with Felony Failure of Duty for the Passenger to Remain at the Scene of an Accident with Injuries. Resist, Delay and Obstruct an Officer and Underage Possession of Alcohol. Chum had a first appearance in District court on 06/18/2012. Son’s first appearance in court is 08/20/2012.

PSO Cox sustained an injury to his ankle and a laceration to his head as a result of the collision. He was treated and released from Grace Hospital. The NCHP conducted an investigation into the vehicle collision. The case is still under further investigation.