17-Year Old Sought for Fatally Running Man Down In His Truck After They Argue

LUMBERTON, NC — A parking lot argument days before Christmas turned tragic when a 17-year-old allegedly used his pickup truck to fatally strike a man in Lumberton, North Carolina, according to police.

The Lumberton Police Department is searching for Jaylan Gray West, who is wanted on a charge of first-degree murder. Authorities say the incident occurred on Friday, Dec. 20, outside Atkinson’s Cigarette Land, near Interstate 95 and NC Highway 72.

When officers arrived at the scene, they found Billy Ray Huggins, 44, deceased after being struck by a vehicle.

Altercation Escalates to Violence

Police report that West and Huggins were involved in an argument in the parking lot moments before the fatal incident. During the altercation, West allegedly got into his burgundy Chevrolet pickup truck, intentionally struck Huggins, and fled the scene.

Suspect at Large

Investigators linked West to the case after crime scene technicians positively identified the pickup truck. Authorities have not disclosed the cause of the argument or whether West and Huggins knew each other prior to the incident.

West, a Lumberton resident, remains at large. Huggins also lived in Lumberton.

Public Assistance Needed

Anyone with information about Jaylan West’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Lumberton Police Department at 910-671-3845.

This tragic event unfolded just days before Christmas, leaving a community reeling as authorities work to locate the suspect and piece together the details behind this senseless act.