SMITHFIELD – A Johnston County family is counting their blessings after a speeding truck crashed into the front yard of their home, narrowly missing them and Santa. It happened Dec. 7th on Packing Plant Road at North Johnson Road.
Vicky Manley and her son had just gotten into their white SUV to run an errand. Before they could leave, they saw a speeding yellow pickup fail to stop for a stop sign at the t-intersection and crash into their yard. The truck was headed directly for them, when the truck clipped a large tree sending it towards their home. The truck came to rest inches from the front porch, and their beloved Santa Claus decoration.
Don Manley rushed outside to discover the wreck. He made sure his wife and son were okay.
The couple said the driver urged them not to call law enforcement. “He told us ‘I’ve got money. I’ve got money. Don’t call the law.”
The couple did however call 911 and immediately reported the accident. The driver rushed back to his truck, removed the license plate, and ran away before first responders arrived, Mr. Manley said.
Emergency crews arrived and a short time later, Mr. Manley said the driver returned to the scene, but claimed he was not driving the truck. However, he was identified as the driver by law enforcement.
“He never hit the brakes,” Vicky said.
Examining the damage, Don added, “At least he didn’t hit Santa Claus, so we can still have Christmas!”
The NC Highway Patrol investigated the single vehicle accident. As of Dec. 14, an accident report was not available.
Interesting the article doesn’t name the driver.