Police charge driver with DWI in crash that killed two
SURF CITY, NC (WWAY) — Police say a drunk driver is to blame for a crash that killed two people last night in Surf City.
The crash happened in the 1600 block of North New River Drive around 10:32 p.m.
According to Surf City Police Chief Ron Shanahan witnesses told police that a driver heading southbound was traveling at a high rate of speed before colliding with a second vehicle also heading the same direction. The second vehicle ran off the road, overturned and caught fire, Shanahan said.
Shanahan said James Coleman Thomason, 23, of Topsail Beach, is charged with two counts felony death by motor vehicle, DWI, open container, improper passing, careless and reckless driving, driving left of center, exceeding posted speed and failure to reduce speed.
Thomason is in custody under $100,000 secured bond. Shanahan said Thomason is due in court tomorrow.
The Surf City Police Department, Surf City Fire Department and North Carolina Highway Patrol responded to the crash.
Investigators say Thomason suffered serious injuries and was transported to New Hanover Regional Medical Center.
The driver and passenger of the second vehicle died at the scene. As of Monday morning, police were awaiting notification of the victims’ next of kin before releasing their names.
Anyone who witnessed the crash and has information should contact the Surf City Police Department at (910) 328-7711.
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