Marion, NC : Two people were injured and one was charged after a man wrecked his vehicle in Morganton on April, Sunday 23rd 2017

Two people were injured and one was charged after a man wrecked his vehicle in Morganton on Sunday night.

Kaylen Pearson, 23, of Lenoir, was charged with driving while impaired, possession of marijuana and driving left of center, said Trooper J. Byland with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.

Pearson was driving south on N.C. Highway 18 near Harrison Loop in the Chesterfield community around 9:20 p.m. when he drifted left out of his lane and ran another vehicle off the road, Byland said.

Once Pearson ran off the road, he struck mailbox, a fence and a tree, which damaged the driver’s side door, Byland said.

Chesterfield Fire Department had to cut Pearson out of his car and he was transported to a local hospital and later taken to a Charlotte hospital. He received severe injuries to his jaw.

A woman in the other vehicle, who was pregnant, was driving north and had to swerve to the left to miss being hit head on by Pearson.

“She was ran off the road and slammed on her brakes and I think she hit her stomach on the steering wheel,” Byland said.

She was transported to a local hospital for testing, Byland said.

A bag containing 2 grams of marijuana was found in the possession of Pearson and he admitted to police that he had being smoking prior to driving, Byland said.

“The vehicle reeked of marijuana as well,” Byland said.

Byland also believes speeding to be a factor in the cause of the wreck as well. Pearson’s car was heavily damaged and deemed totaled.

“(Pearson) is lucky to be alive,” Byland said.

Agencies involved were North Carolina State Highway Patrol, Burke County EMS and Chesterfield Fire Department.

Staff Writer Jonelle Bobak can be reached at jbobak@morganton.com or 828-432-8907.

Source :
2 injured, 1 charged after man crashes vehicle