Driver charged with DWI led troopers on 120 mph chase on I-40 in Johnston County
A driver on Sunday night led troopers on a chase along Interstate 40, reaching speeds of 120 mph before crashing into another car.
Around 10:15 p.m., troopers tried to stop a car traveling at only 30 mph on I-40 West, 40 mph below the speed limit. The car was driving erratically, "all over the road," according to troopers, but the driver sped away.
The car, which had three people inside, reached speeds of 120 mph before slamming into another car near Exit 319 for N.C. Highway 210, officials said. Troopers believe the car struck the other car at 116 mph.
Two passengers in the speeding car and two people in the other car were injured and transported to WakeMed. No one died in the crash despite the high speeds.
The driver of the speeding car, Luis Velasquez, 26, from Fayetteville, was not injured. Velasquez was charged with DWI, felony flee to elude, 120 mph in a 70 mph zone, reckless driving. failure to heed light or siren, driving with an open container, resisting, obstructing and delaying a law enforcement officer, failure to maintain lane control, no operator’s license and other charges.
Troopers said the driver was very intoxicated and damaged the patrol car on the way to the Johnston County jail. As a result, he will be charged with injury to real property.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol said it was the fourth chase in Johnston County in 24 hours.
One trooper at the scene said chases like this are happening more in the area and likely across the country.
"Drivers just won't stop anymore," he said.
