Two North Carolina Troopers Dismissed After Investigation Reveals Lies and Mishandling in Fatal Crash Involving Black Driver

Two North Carolina state troopers, accused of deception and mishandling a fatal crash investigation involving a Black driver, have been dismissed from their positions. Sgt. Matthew Morrison and Trooper Garrett Macario were terminated by the North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP) on June 16, 2025, after being placed on administrative leave since January due to discrepancies related to the death of 31-year-old Tyrone Mason. Mason lost his life on October 7, 2024, when his Chevrolet Malibu crashed into a concrete barrier. Macario, who reported the incident, failed to inform other officers that he had pursued Mason before the crash. Initially, he only disclosed this to Sgt. Morrison, who advised him to conceal their involvement. Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman began an investigation in December 2024. Following a review of video evidence, she concluded that the troopers had been dishonest, impacting their credibility in 180 pending DWI cases, although no criminal charges were filed against them.