SMITHFIELD – One person was transported to the hospital after two cars collided at the intersection of Buffalo Road and Booker Dairy Road. Smithfield Police, Smithfield Fire and Johnston County EMS responded to the 7:00pm Wednesday collision.
According to an accident report, Michael Dante Bynem Jr., 20, of Chapel Drive, Clayton was traveling westbound on Booker Dairy Road in a 2014 Toyota passenger car. Bynem told police he dropped his cell phone and looked down to get it. When he looked back up he was already in the intersection.
A witness said Bynem traveled through a red light at the intersection striking a 2013 Nissan SUV traveling southbound on Buffalo Road and operated by Nailah Elaine Alston, 20, of Bess Drive, Clayton. After the impact the Toyota ran off the roadway, struck a fence, and came to rest in a field. The Nissan spun around and came to rest in the intersection.
Alston was transported to Johnston Medical Center in Clayton for treatment of minor injuries. A passenger in the Nissan was not injured. Bynem was evaluated at the scene by EMS but refused transport.
Bynem was cited by Officer J.D. Barbour with failing to stop at a red light.
Damage to each vehicle was placed at $10,000. Both vehicles had to be towed from the scene. Damage to a NC DOT fence was estimated at $250.
