SHP: Speed, Alcohol Factors In High Speed Pursuit And Crash

SMITHFIELD – A late-night State Highway Patrol pursuit reached speeds over 100 mph before a Tesla ran off N.C. 210 and overturned multiple times, ejecting the driver, authorities said.

The pursuit began around 10:11 p.m. Thursday when a Johnston County trooper attempted to stop a black Tesla traveling east on Interstate 40 near mile marker 317 for alleged reckless driving.

The driver refused to stop and continued east on I-40 before exiting onto N.C. 210 East, according to the Highway Patrol.

Troopers said the Tesla traveled at speeds exceeding 100 mph before running off the right side of N.C. 210 near Lassiter Pond Road.

The vehicle struck a ditch culvert and overturned numerous times before coming to rest.

The driver, identified as Khizr Ahmad Kazmi, 23, of Cary, was ejected from the vehicle and sustained serious injuries.

Responding troopers provided aid and stabilized Kazmi until EMS arrived. He was transported to WakeMed in Raleigh.

No troopers or other motorists were injured.

The Highway Patrol said Kazmi was not wearing a seat belt and that speed and alcohol are believed to have contributed to the crash.

Troopers obtained warrants charging Kazmi with felony fleeing to elude arrest, driving while impaired, reckless driving, failure to heed lights and siren, speeding 140 mph in a 70 mph zone, possession of an open container of alcohol, failure to stop for a stop sign or traffic light, driving left of center, failure to maintain lane control and failure to wear a seat belt.

The warrants will be served once Kazmi is released from the hospital.