Patrol car wrecks on way to call
By Gary Popp
Published in News on March 26, 2012 1:46 PM
A Wayne County Sheriff's Office deputy wrecked a patrol car Sunday night while responding to a call in Seven Springs.
Deputy Chris Jackson was driving southbound on N.C. 111 South near Food Lion at about 11:20 p.m. when he struck a puddle of water, hydroplaned, and lost control of the car.
Deputies said it was raining extremely hard at the time of accident.
Jackson was traveling in emergency mode, with the car's blue lights and sirens turned on, when the accident occurred.
Troopers with the state Highway Patrol responded to the accident.
Troopers reported Jackson was traveling at about 80 mph when his car hit the water.
After the car began to hydroplane, deputies said, it made a 180-degree turn then struck a guard rail, damaging its front and rear panels on the driver's side. Deputies said the car never crossed into an oncoming lane or left the road.
Jackson was not injured in the accident, but it is likely the 2010 Dodge Charger is a complete loss, deputies said.
The value of the patrol car was listed at $15,000.
Officials have not said if the car will be replaced.
Jackson was responding to an alarm call at D.M. Price store, near Duplin County, that ended up being a false alarm.
According to the Sheriff's Office, the convenience store's alarm company advised the system indicated movement inside the store.