Man charged in fatal accident appears in court

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The man accused of leading troopers on a chase from Brunswick County to Wilmington and causing a fatal accident yesterday was in court today.

The state said even though Eduardo Patrick does not have a criminal history, they still felt it important to raise his bond. A judge granted that request, raising the bond to $500,000 and called him a danger to the public and a high flight risk.

Prosecutors said Patrick told troopers that he was not a US citizen and that his status expires next month. The said he spoke with a relative on the phone yesterday and seemed very aware of what happened with the crash.

The public defender’s office spoke on behalf of Patrick saying tests revealed no impairment at the time of the accident and that they do suspect there is an ongoing mental health issue with Patrick.

The defense said Patrick is married but he self-reported as being homeless.

His next court date is set for May 26.