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MURFREESBORO – A Chowan University student was airlifted to the hospital after being struck by a vehicle on Wednesday, Sept. 21.

NC Highway Patrol Trooper Z. Mize reported that the incident occurred shortly before 8 p.m. on Union Street in Murfreesboro.

“The pedestrian was crossing from Parker Hall towards the baseball field, and was struck by the vehicle,” Mize said, identifying the pedestrian as Landon Heller from Youngsville, NC.

The vehicle was a Hertford County Sheriff’s Office car operated by Deputy Brian McNair. Trooper Mize stated that the Sheriff’s Deputy was en route to the scene of a motor vehicle accident.

“The pedestrian was not in a crosswalk, and speed was a factor,” Mize confirmed.

Hertford County Sheriff Dexter Hayes told the Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald that Deputy McNair had activated the emergency signaling devices on his patrol car.

“He stated to me that a vehicle had yielded for him and he went around that vehicle and that is when he saw the pedestrian standing in the roadway, in the center turn lane,” Hayes said.

When asked if any charges will be filed, Mize said that the incident was still under investigation at this time.

Mize did not know Heller’s current condition, but said that the student was “serious but stable” when he was airlifted to the hospital.

The university posted a short statement on their Facebook page Wednesday night reporting the incident.

“We ask for prayers for our student, their family, and the Chowan University community,” the statement concluded.