FIRST ON 3 UPDATE: Sheriff talks about deputy’s accident

AFTERNOON UPDATE:

Sheriff Ingram just sat down with us – and told us after an internal investigation, the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Department has decided racing wasn’t a factor in the accident of a Deputy who crashed her 2010 Mustang Wednesday night. He did say however, that Deputy Samantha Lewis spotted two other deputies in a cruiser responding to call on Highway 17 Bypass – and tried to pass them on the right at 100 mph when she lost control of her car. But – that the deputies in the other car were not racing her – did see the accident when it happened – and helped her afterwards until EMT’s arrived.

MORE FROM A NEWS RELEASE SENT FROM THE BCSD TUESDAY AFTERNOON:

Two on duty Deputy Sheriff’s, Sergeant Tommy Rees and Corporal Bart Long, were traveling southbound on Highway 17 after clearing a domestic disturbance in a nearby area when off duty Deputy Samantha Lewis came upon them on 02-18-2010. Lewis attempted to pass a Deputy on the right at a high rate of speed and lost control of the vehicle. Lewis’ vehicle traveled off road and she has suffered life threatening injuries.

An internal investigation has been conducted by Professional Standards and is conclusive that there was no drag racing, prearranged or otherwise. Lewis was off duty and operating her personal vehicle at the time. Charges are pending against Lewis by Shallotte Police Department.

The accident investigation is being handled by Shallotte Police Department.

NEWS RELEASE FROM THE SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT SENT TUESDAY MORNING:

A Brunswick County Sheriff’s deputy was involved in a single vehicle accident on 02-18-10 at approximately 12:30 am. Samantha Lewis, 24 years of age, was involved in an accident while off duty and while operating her personal vehicle.

Lewis has been with the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office since August of 2007.

At this time our concern is for the well being of Ms. Lewis. Our prayers go out for her and her family and for her recovery. This single car accident is being investigated by the Shallotte Police Department. The Sheriff’s Office will await the Shallotte Police Department to finish their investigation into the accident. Once the investigation is completed and the final report is received, the sheriff’s office will determine what, if any actions will be taken. Any further questions regarding this accident should be directed to Shallotte Police Chief Rodney Gause.

The Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office will release a statement after the investigation is completed.

AND HERE’S THE STORY THAT RAN MONDAY:

We’ve learned that an off-duty Brunswick County Sheriff’s deputy wrecked her brand new 2010 Ford Mustang Wednesday night, reportedly doing 100 mph in a 60 mph speed zone.

Shallotte police say it happened on the US 17 Bypass near NC 130. Investigators say Samantha Lewis was heading south when she lost control of the car, ran off the road into a ditch and rolled some 420 feet. That’s almost a football field and a half!

She was taken to New Hanover Regional Medical Center. The Sheriff’s Office says she is recovering and should be fine. Police say the car was totaled.

The state can revoke your license for driving more than 15 mph over the speed limit if you’re going faster than 55 mph. You can lose your license for 60 Days for speeding and reckless driving. And it can suspend your license for speeding over 75 mph.