Elderly driver suspected of impairment kills one, injures 22 cyclists in Wake County
A 76-year-old driver in Apex, North Carolina, is accused of striking a group of cyclists, resulting in one death and 22 injuries, with authorities citing possible impairment.
A 76-year-old driver identified as Donald Robert Morris-Jones of Apex, North Carolina, is accused of hitting a group of cyclists on a two-lane road in Wake County shortly after 9:30 a.m. Saturday. The vehicle crossed the center line, fled the scene and later collided with a ditch, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
One cyclist was pronounced dead and 22 were injured. Seven victims were transported to trauma centers while 15 were taken to local hospitals, Chief LeRoy Smith of the Holly Springs Fire Department told CNN.
Law enforcement officials said impairment is a suspected factor in the crash. Morris-Jones is in custody awaiting charges. The incident occurred about 14 miles southwest of Raleigh, in a wooded, winding stretch of road flanked by trees.