02/22/11 — Highway Patrol involved in accident

View Archive

Highway Patrol involved in accident

By Gary Popp
Published in News on February 22, 2011 1:46 PM

A state Highway Patrol vehicle was involved in an accident Sunday afternoon at 1:33 in the intersection of U.S. 13 North and U.S. 117 South.

Neither Trooper N.J. Talley or the driver of the other vehicle, Marcus LaMont Barbour, of Goldsboro, sustained serious injuries.

State Highway Patrol Sgt. M.A. Kirby is investigating the incident.

Kirby said Talley was traveling south on U.S. 117 through a steady green light when Barbour, who was traveling eastbound on U.S. 13 North, failed to stop before entering the intersection.

Kirby said that there was no indication speed was a factor in the collision.

"Mr. Barbour stated to me that he was experiencing some sort of break malfunction as he was attempting to stop his vehicle," Kirby said.

Barbour, 28, was driving a 1996 Ford Explorer, which was significantly damaged on the front, left side of the vehicle -- likely a total loss, Kirby said.

The patrol vehicle, he said, a 2007 Ford Crown Victoria, will be taken to a garage in Raleigh and the Highway Patrol body mechanic division will evaluate the damages and write an estimate.

"It suffered heavy damage," Kirby said. "A decision has yet to be made whether to repair the vehicle or strip it for parts. The repair costs may exceed the value of the car."

Barbour refused medical attention from Wayne County Emergency Medical Services, before leaving the scene with his family.

Kirby took Talley to Wayne Memorial Hospital where he was treated and released.

Barbour is charged with driving while license revoked, no liability insurance, revoked registration, failure to stop for a red light, improper vehicle equipment and damage to personal property.