High-Speed Pursuit Tied to Halifax County Homicide Ends in Arrests in Nash County
A high-speed pursuit connected to a homicide investigation in Halifax County ended with two suspects in custody Thursday following a crash and manhunt in the Goldrock community.
According to the Nash County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began on April 1, 2026, when Halifax County Communications alerted Nash County authorities to a shooting with injuries in Enfield. A BOLO was issued for a red Kia Soul believed to be involved.
Within seconds of the alert, deputies with the Nash County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Interdiction Team spotted a vehicle matching the description along Interstate 95 near mile marker 145. When deputies attempted to initiate a traffic stop, the driver fled, sparking a high-speed pursuit through the Goldrock community and parts of Rocky Mount.
Authorities say speeds during the chase exceeded 100 miles per hour. During the pursuit, investigators were notified that the Enfield shooting had been upgraded to a homicide.
The pursuit came to an end when the suspect vehicle crashed near the intersection of Goldrock Road and Homestead Road. Both occupants fled on foot, leading to a search of the area.
Deputies quickly located the driver, later identified as Clarence Dominique Atkins Jr., hiding underneath a mobile home. A K-9 unit was then deployed and successfully tracked down the passenger, Marion Randolph Hodge III, who was found hiding in the attic of an abandoned residence.
Atkins is facing multiple charges, including felony flee to elude arrest, possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver MDMA, as well as several traffic and misdemeanor offenses related to the pursuit.
Hodge has been charged with resisting, delaying, or obstructing an officer, along with break and enter and injury to real property. Officials also confirmed Hodge is wanted out of Georgia for multiple serious offenses, including burglary, aggravated battery, cruelty to children, and terroristic threats.
Both men are currently being held at the Nash County Detention Center and made their first court appearance on April 2, 2026.
Authorities say additional charges may be filed as the homicide investigation continues. The Enfield Police Department and the State Bureau of Investigation are continuing to lead that portion of the case.
The Nash County Sheriff’s Office credited multiple agencies for their assistance, including the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, Rocky Mount Police Department, and Halifax County Communications.
Sheriff Keith Stone stated his office remains committed to combating violent crime and ensuring the safety of the community.
