FIRST ON 3 UPDATE: Crash suspect has 2 DWI convictions

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A man charged with DWI and other crimes after a massive crash in downtown Wilmington last night already has two DWI convictions.

Police say Anthony Joye, 32, was driving under the influence when he hit three parked cars near the front of the Shuckin’ Shack near the intersection of Market and Front streets. A parking meter was also damaged in the crash. Police say two other men were in the vehicle. One was taken to the hospital with serious injuries; the other ran from the crash, police said.

Fork & Cork bartender Stephen Davis was bringing in tables when the crash happened across the street.

“I heard it before I saw it,” Davis said. “I saw it come from Fifth, Fourth, Third, Second, and just right here, just started taking out cars.”

Witnesses told WWAY it looked like a “war zone” at the scene in the area of Slice of Life and Shuckin’ Shack.

“He hit a blue car and pushed it to the Shuckin’ Shack and it was just, it was on fire. The car was on fire,” Davis said.

Police say Joye was going between 70-80 miles per hour at the time of the crash. Police say Joye is facing charges including DWI and drug charges; according to the jail, he’s in jail under a $325,000 bond.

“I’m just thankful there wasn’t a lot of people down here when it happened,” Davis said. “Someone could have gotten killed.”

According to the NC Department of Correction website, Joye was convicted of DWI in 2012 and 2003. His record includes several other offenses, including drug and weapon crimes, driving while license revoked and more.