Police: 19 Year-Old Driver Who Caused US 301 Crash Charged With Impaired Driving

Smithfield police officers speak with John Morales-Duran following a head on collision October 1, 2022. Photo by John Payne

SMITHFIELD – Police have charged a Four Oaks teenager with driving while impaired following a violent head on collision on US 301 South. The wreck was reported at 5:37am Saturday, in front of the former Holt Lake BBQ building, and near the Tyler Drive intersection.

Police said John Morales-Duran was operating this white Dodge Ram pickup when he collided head-on with a BMW SUV. Photo by John Payne

Smithfield Police said John Morales-Duran, age 19, of Meadow Hills Drive, Four Oaks was operating a 2011 Dodge pickup southbound on US 301 South when he crossed the center turn lane into the northbound lane, colliding head on with a 2008 BMW SUV driven by Raymond Junior Speight, age 46, of Smithfield.

A Smithfield man was seriously injured after the BMW SUV he was driving was struck head on by a suspected impaired driver October 1, 2022 on US 301 South near Tyler Drive. Photo by John Payne

Speight was severely pinned in the SUV and had to be extricated by the Smithfield Fire Department before he was rushed by Johnston County EMS to Wake Med with serious injuries.

Smithfield Police escort John Morales-Duran away from the accident scene October 1, 2022. Photo by John Payne

Morales-Duran sustained minor injuries and was evaluated at the scene.

He was charged by Smithfield Police with driving while impaired. Morales-Duran reportedly registered 0.10 on the Breathalyzer, just above the legal limit of 0.08, according to a report. He was released on a $600 bond pending a Nov. 22, 2022 court appearance.

Morales-Durn Mugshot

According to an accident report, Morales-Durn was traveling at an estimated 50 mph in the Dodge pickup and Speight an estimated 45 mph in the SUV when the vehicles collided. The authorized speed limit is 45 mph.

7 COMMENTS

  1. 19 year old charged with driving impaired. Caused a head on collision. The other driver has serious injuries. Then the 19 year old is released on a 600 dollar bond. Who does this kid know? Unbelievable.

    • Sorry about your relative, by the way. We wish him all the best and a full and speedy recovery. Stay blessed!!!

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