WAKE COUNTY, N.C. (WTVD) — A Wake County man faces several criminal charges after authorities say he crashed into a group of cyclists Saturday morning, killing one person and injuring several others.
Just after 9:30 a.m., the North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP) responded to a crash involving one vehicle and several cyclists on Optimist Farm Road near Talicud Trail.
According to state troopers, the driver was traveling on Optimist Farm Road when he struck a group of approximately 30 cyclists riding with the Capital Cycling Club.
The man drove away from the scene, left the left side of the roadway and crashed into a ditch approximately 800 meters from where the cyclists were struck.
Police said one cyclist was killed and seven others were seriously injured.
Nearly a dozen additional cyclists suffered injuries, ranging from minor to serious. They were taken to several area hospitals, including WakeMed Raleigh, WakeMed Cary and UNC Health Holly Springs.
Investigators said impairment may have been a factor in the crash. Donald Robert Morris-Jones, 76, of Apex, is in custody and facing several charges, NCSHP said.
Morris-Jones is charged with one count of DUI, one count of driving left of center, one count of reckless driving, eight counts of hit-and-run involving serious injury or death, seven counts of serious injury by vehicle and one count of felony death by vehicle. He is being held on $1 million bail.
Authorities identified the cyclist who died in the crash as Patrick Turner.
Optimist Farm Road remains closed while the investigation continues. Authorities said the closure would remain in effect until further notice and urged drivers to avoid the area.
The State Highway Patrol is investigating.
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