North Carolina Highway Patrol troopers Sgt. Matthew Morrison and Sgt. Garrett Macario, find themselves in a credibility crisis. Both have been suspended, and a jaw-dropping 180 cases—some dating back to 2021—have been dismissed as questions swirl around their truthfulness and professional integrity.
The controversy stems from an October 2024 chase and crash on Capital Boulevard in Raleigh, where a young man tragically lost his life.
Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman disclosed to WRAL News that the fatal crash raised red flags about Macario’s honesty. The evidence, Freeman noted, caused her to initiate a deeper investigation into the trooper’s actions.
“In December, I received a call from someone with the SBI who had someone come forward to them raising questions about an incident on Oct. 7 in which a young man was killed on Capital,” Freeman said. “Part of that raised questions about the troopers’ involvement in that wreck.”
Freeman revealed that dash and body camera footage from the incident escalated concerns, leading her to further the investigation. The fallout has been massive: 180 Driving While Impaired (DWI) cases—cases in which Macario served as the arresting officer—have already been tossed out.
As scrutiny continues, more of Morrison’s cases are expected to be tossed as well.
Macario, a 26-year-old officer with the Highway Patrol since February 2019, and Morrison, a veteran hired in July 2012, are now under investigation and remains on administrative leave.
3 thoughts on “Scandal Shakes NC Highway Patrol: Troopers Suspended, 180 Cases Dismissed Amid Credibility Concerns”
Do you only report on black “news”? The details of these trooper firings are very sketchy…if this kid who was breaking the law speeding in the city limits and intoxicated had been white, would we even be having this conversation?? Doubtful and the troopers would still have their jobs I’m sure.
How did Macario become a State Trooper that young? What is is relationship to Morrison? Ate you on bluesky?
Administrative leave! Go figure!