Pender Co. deputy totals patrol vehicle

HAMPSTEAD, NC (WWAY) — A Pender County Sheriff’s Deputy is recovering from an accident suffered while on patrol.

According to investigators, Deputy Burke Bailey was performing a safety check at South Topsail Elementary when he noticed a speeding car go by.

While trying to catch up to the vehicle Deputy Bailey ran off of the road and over corrected his vehicle, which sent him into the ditch.

Bailey was taken to the New Regional Medical Center where he was treated for his injuries.

According to a fellow law enforcement officer accidents like this are rare.

“Sheriff’s deputies and police officers that go through basic law enforcement training there is required driving in that block of instruction and it does include pursuit driving and extraordinary vehicle operation,” said Sgt. M.L. Collier of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.

The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident.