SMITHFIELD – Smithfield Police have charged a 50 year-old man with driving while impaired and numerous other offenses after he was reportedly involved in two traffic accidents a short time apart.
Frederick Earl Sanders of N. Fourth Street, Smithfield is charged in both collisions.
Around 11:21am Tuesday, police said Sanders was operating a 2017 GMC SUV when it collided with a 2010 Chevy passenger car at the intersection of N. Fifth and Caswell Streets. Sanders did not stop and sped away from the scene. The other driver was not injured.
Just over an hour later, at 12:35pm, Sanders was reportedly operating the same SUV on N. Second Street near Caswell Street when he collided with a utility pole then a house. He reportedly jumped and ran from the accident scene. He was located a short time later by Smithfield Police and detained.
Sanders was not injured but was transported to the hospital for evaluation.
He was cited for driving while impaired, driving on a revoked license, possession of drug paraphernalia, reckless driving, hit and run, stop sign violation, and resisting a public officer.
Sanders is scheduled to appear in district court August 26 on the charges.
Police seized his SUV and cell phone as part of the investigation.
