Suspects named in crash that knocked out power in Wrightsville Beach

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NC (WWAY) — The driver who ran off after crashing his Tahoe into a power pole at Wrightsville Beach will face several charges, including DWI, once he is arrested.

Police have warrants for the arrest of Matthew Branson, 29, of Thomasville and his passengers, Lacey Alexander, 25, of Monroe.

Around 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Wrightsville Beach police officers and fire crews responded to a crash on Waynick Blvd. in the area of Arrindale St.

When officers arrived, they saw a blue BMW with minor damage to the front end. The other vehicle was a champagne colored Tahoe with heavy front-end damage. The Tahoe hit and split a utility pole, causing power lines to fall across the street.

Police say witnesses told them a man and woman got out of the Tahoe and ran off.

Police searched the Tahoe and found several open containers of alcohol and drug paraphernalia. Police say their investigation, along with information from witnesses, led police to believe Branson, the owner of the SUV, was driving at the time of the crash.

Along with the DWI charge, Branson will also face hit-and-run, littering, open container, failure to report an accident, possession of marijuana, and possession of marijuana paraphernalia charges.

Alexander’s warrants are for failure to remain at accident scene, open container, and possession of drug paraphernalia.