Driver charged with second DWI in two weeks after hitting car, store

HAMPSTEAD, NC (WWAY) — A Pender County man is behind bars after his second drunk driving arrest in two weeks.

Cleaning up was not the kind of work the folks at Hampstead Furniture expected for their Thursday, but it’s the aftermath an alleged drunk driver left behind.

Locals say it’s not the first time they’ve heard of John Paulson drinking and driving.

“He was in an accident about two weeks ago, so he probably shouldn’t have been on the road,” Jeff Pitts, who lives in Hampstead said.

Pitts is right. Paulson should not have been on the road, because his license was revoked after he was charged with DWI July 31.

Troopers say Wednesday night Paulson crossed the center line on US 17 and hit a car head-on sending two people to the hospital. After hitting the car, they say Paulson slammed into the side of Hampstead Furniture.

“We saw a car lodged in the front of the building, and I figured I would be of some assistance,” Pitts said.

Pitts, a general contractor. who only knew the owners in passing, came back to the scene with a truck full of lumber and tools to make sure the building was safe as crews pulled out the car Paulson was driving.

“Hampstead is a small town, and we have to help each other out,” Pitts said.

Help that owner, who did not want to talk on camera, was extremely grateful for, calling Pitts an angel.

“I am not an angel,” Pitts said. “I was just in the right place at the right time.”

Highway Patrol said Paulson blew a 0.19 when he took a breath test after the crash.

One of the victims is out of the hospital. No word on the condition of the other person hurt.