The Highway Patrol is looking for a vehicle involved in a deadly crash Monday night in eastern Johnston County. The collision happened at 10:37pm in the 2500 block of Stevens Chapel Road.
Troopers said a white pickup truck had gone to the residence of Edgar Wayne Warren and had spun donuts in his yard. Warren and a friend got into a Ford Explorer and began chasing after the truck. While traveling on Stevens Chapel Road, Warren who was driving the Ford Explorer, collided with the rear of the truck, causing the SUV to lose control, travel off the roadway, and overturn.
Warren, 38, was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected. He died at the scene. A passenger, Steven Daniel Smith, 32, of Four Oaks was not seriously injured. Troopers said alcohol and reckless driving appeared to be contributing factors.
Troopers are still trying to identify the vehicle and driver of the white pickup truck that fled from the scene towards Highway 70.
Anyone with information about the vehicle is asked to contact the NC Highway Patrol District Office in Smithfield at 919-934-2186.
Warren was out of jail on bail awaiting trial on breaking and entering charges after his arrest Jan. 14th on Boyette Pond Road near the Johnston-Wayne County line.
Photos by John Payne
