First look at video of shootout on I-95 that injured Nash County deputy in 2021

Arguments got underway Tuesday in the trial of a man accused of shooting a Nash County deputy.

Tuesday marked the first time Nash County Sheriff’s Office body camera and dashcam video was shown of the February 2021 shootout on Interstate 95 involving Jarred Ford and two deputies. WRAL News was allowed to record the video but not the sound.

Ford, 34, of St. Petersburg, Florida, is charged with two counts of attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill. He is on trial and representing himself.

Investigators say Ford opened fire on two Nash County deputies shortly after they pulled him over for speeding in a silver Mercedes sedan.

The video shows deputy Shelby Smith walking up and speaking with Ford, the only person in the car.

Smith told the court on Tuesday she thought she smelled marijuana inside Ford’s car, and decided to search the vehicle.

Body cam footage from deputy William Toney shows Ford appearing to resisting arrest as the deputies try to detain him. As the struggle ensues, Ford pulled a handgun from his waistband.

Dashcam footage shows the deputies and Ford struggling off-camera. Moments later, the deputies return with bullets hitting the ground around them.

Deputy William Toney’s body camera footage shows he was wounded in both arms. He survived the shooting, but had to retire from the sheriff’s office.

Other angles show Ford lying on the ground, where he had also been shot several times.

On video, Smith can be seen yelling commands at Ford, and then firing one last shot.

During Tuesday in court, Smith said she fired again because Ford dragged himself over to his gun.

“Mr. Ford was trying to kill my partner,” Smith said. “Mr. Ford tried to kill me.”

Arguments are set to continue Wednesday.

Ford confessed to the shooting in a federal trial in August 2022. Last week, Ford was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison in connection with the incident.

If convicted of the state charges, Ford could spend decades longer in prison.