Suspected impaired driver killed in crash following attempted traffic stop in Pender County

July 21, 2025

WWAY News,

SURF CITY, NC (WWAY) — A Hampstead man was killed early Monday in a single-vehicle crash following an attempted traffic stop in Pender County.

According to the Town of Surf City, the incident began around 1:58 a.m. when a patrol sergeant spotted a white Chevrolet Silverado being driven erratically along N.C. Highway 50. The vehicle was repeatedly veering out of its lane and failing to maintain control, prompting the sergeant to initiate a traffic stop with emergency lights and sirens.

Although the vehicle did not immediately flee, it failed to yield and continued along N.C. 50, Shepards Road, and U.S. Highway 17. At that point, Surf City Police requested assistance from the Pender County Sheriff’s Office.

When the driver abruptly accelerated, Surf City says their officers stopped the pursuit in accordance with department policy.

At 2:04 a.m., a Pender County deputy took over the pursuit as the vehicle traveled eastbound on N.C. Highway 210. Just one minute later, at 2:05 a.m., the vehicle crashed near Valhalla Way.

The driver, identified as William Shannon Coston of Hampstead, was pronounced dead at the scene. Emergency responders discovered open containers of alcohol inside the vehicle, and investigators believe the crash resulted from impaired driving and a loss of control.

The Surf City Fire Department, Pender EMS & Fire, and the Pender County Sheriff’s Office assisted at the scene. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is leading the crash investigation.

Surf City Police Chief Phillip Voorhees said the department is working closely with the Pender County Sheriff’s Office, N.C. Highway Patrol, and the District Attorney’s Office to ensure a thorough investigation.

“This incident is a tragic reminder of the deadly consequences of impaired driving,” Chief Voorhees said in a statement. “We thank our law enforcement and emergency service partners for their coordinated response and professionalism during this very difficult incident.”