WILSON’S MILLS – Three Clayton High School students survived a high speed crash after a 15 year-old driver reportedly fled from Wilson’s Mills Police.
Around 2:15am today (Tuesday), a Wilson’s Mills police officer attempted to stop the driver of a Lexus for failing to stop for a stop sign at West Olive Road and US 70 Business.
The driver initially stopped on nearby Sadisco Road. However, as the officer was approaching the driver side of the car, the vehicle sped away. The chase quickly reached speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour, Police Chief A.Z. Williams said.
As the Lexus approached one of several sharp curves on Strickland Road, the vehicle ran off the roadway, struck a ditch, and overturned several times. The Lexus came to rest approximately 600 feet from the initial point of impact with the ditch.
The driver, a 15 year-old male juvenile, was transported to Johnston Health in Clayton to be evaluated at the request of his father who responded to the scene.
A 17 year-old front seat passenger was ejected from the vehicle as it overturned. He was transported to Wake Med in Raleigh for complaints of leg and head pain.
A 15 year-old rear seat passenger, refused transport to the hospital. He was released to his mother at the scene.
Chief Williams said there were no signs of impairment or drugs at the scene.
The 15 year-old driver reportedly fled because he was underage and did not have a license
“It’s a miracle no one was more seriously injured. God was certainly watching. People need to understand that speed really does kill,” Chief Williams said.
Polcie said all three juveniles involved in the crash are students at Clayton High School.
The 15 year-old driver will face charges in juvenile court including fleeing to elude and reckless driving.
