Nash County honors first responders who saved the life of deputy after I-95 shootout
Nash County paid tribute on Monday to the first responders that saved the life of a sheriff’s deputy who was severely injured during a shootout on Interstate 95 two years ago.
In a ceremony at the Nash County Administration Building, members of the Emergency Services department, sheriff’s deputies and two members of a medical airlift crew were honored on Monday morning.
The men and women were given Meritorious Service Awards for their actions under fire.
“When the call went out that an officer was shot on the interstate, there was not one bit of hesitation,” Nash County Sheriff Keith Stone said.
In February 2021, Nash Deputy Shelby Smith stopped Florida resident Jarred Ford for speeding on I-95.
Saying she smelled marijuana coming from inside, Smith and her partner, William Toney, moved to detain Ford to search his car.
Body cam footage shows Ford appearing to resist, leading to a struggle, and he eventually brings a handgun out of his waistband.
A shootout ensued by the side of the interstate, and Toney was hit multiple times.
The response was immense: other deputies rushed to close the interstate and arrest Ford, who had also been shot multiple times and was in critical condition.
EMS crews and a flight team were able to airlift Toney to the hospital. He survived his injuries but had to medically retire from the sheriff’s office.
At the ceremony on Monday, Toney said he had “a great deal of gratitude today, to say thank you. Thank you for being there for us.”
Toney told WRAL News he’s kept in touch with some of the men and women who came to his aid two years ago.
“We hug and say, 'It’s great that we’re able to be in this position,' and we’re just so thankful,” Toney said.
Ford yet to face justice in NC
Ford was convicted last year on federal charges of being a felon in possession of a handgun stemming from the incident.
In January, he was tried by the state for the shooting, but the weeks-long trial ended in a hung jury and a mistrial.
Nash County District Attorney Jeff Marsigli told WRAL News that his office will try Ford again for the shooting, but it won’t happen until the end of 2023 at the earliest.
“I forgave Mr. Ford for his actions and what he’s done, so it’s just a process of him having to pay for the consequences that he did for us,” Toney said of the trial process.
“We’re just ready to push forward and give it another shot, do whatever we need to do, and we’re just going to go to trial again,” Shelby Smith said.
Ford’s family told WRAL News that the mistrial proved the state didn’t have a strong case against him, and they’re prepared for the next step in the justice process.
