Home Local News 3 injured south of Hamlet in wreck following pursuit by RPD, RCSO

3 injured south of Hamlet in wreck following pursuit by RPD, RCSO

HAMLET — Three people were airlifted to a hospital early Thursday morning when a pursuit by local law enforcement ended in a wreck.

It all started around 2 a.m. when a Rockingham Police Officer noticed a vehicle slam on brakes, back up and turn around on U.S. 74 Business, according to Chief George Gillenwater.

That officer turned on his lights and began what Gillenwater called a “soft pursuit,” following the car down Long Drive and into East Rockingham.

Deputies with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the pursuit, getting up front, while the RPD officer remained involved, according to Chief Deputy Jay Childers.

The chase wound up on Airport Road and the driver of the Toyota Corolla, 53-year-old Dianna Baez, failed to stop at the intersection with N.C. 177, hitting a Chrysler 300 that was traveling south, according to the N.C. State Highway Patrol.

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After the initial impact, troopers say the Corolla hit a utility pole and the Chrysler went into the woodline and struck a tree.

Baez and her older male passenger, as well as the driver of the Chrysler, were flown to a hospital. Their injuries are not life-threatening, according to Gillenwater.

The chief said officers have not yet been able to determine why Baez refused to stop, but added that a “large sum of cash” was recovered from her passenger.

Gillenwater said charges are pending.

 



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