A State Highway Patrol Trooper was involved in a crash after a chase on I-40 reached speeds of up to 130 mph around midnight on Saturday.
Troopers clocked a stolen Dodge Challenger going over 100 mph. The driver initially pulled over around highway marker 319, but once the trooper, identified as Michael Parks, approached the car, the driver, later identified as 26-year-old Lamine Mckenly Lo of Raeford, took off and a chase ensued.
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According to State Highway Patrol, Lo attempted to exit on I-95 at Benson. Troopers said Lo was going over 100 mph when he got on the ramp, losing control and hitting the guard rail before overturning.
Highway Patrol said the Trooper Parks' cruiser could not get out of the way with the wrecking car.
Lo was in the Challenger with another person. The passenger told WRAL News that she remembered seeing the large yellow end-plate in front of her before the crash, but that "God was in it" because nobody was seriously injured, despite the high speeds.
The passenger was released. The off ramp to Benson was closed for more than an hour.
Authorities arrested and charged Lo with multiple traffic offenses, including:
- Felony flee to elude arrest
- Possession of stolen motor vehicle
- Failed to heed blue lights and siren
- Numerous misdemeanors, including speeding and reckless driving
Neither Lo, the passenger or Trooper Parks were injured in the chase and subsequent crash.