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-Press Release, Office of District Attorney Michael D. Waters
During the October 5, 2020, session of Vance County Criminal Superior Trial Court, with Superior Court Judge John M. Dunlow presiding, Justin Venable entered a plea of guilty to DWI, Felony Hit and Run with Serious Injury, and Felony Failure to Move Over Causing Serious Injury.
Mr. Venable received an active sentence of 12 months in the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, Division of Adult Correction (DAC), followed by 16 to 29 months, and 6 to 17 months of supervised probation, suspended for 36 months.
On October 22, 2019, Trooper Craig Hundley with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP) was conducting a routine traffic stop in Vance County when he was struck by a vehicle. Thanks to the quick actions of the citizen who Trooper Hundley had pulled over, and of Trooper Eugene Burrell, the defendant‘s vehicle was identified.
Trooper Burrell was able to stop the defendant and found he was impaired by alcohol. The defendant, identified as Justin O. Venable, was taken into custody and charged with DWI, Felony Hit and Run with Serious Injury, Reckless Driving, and Felony Failure to Move Over Causing Serious Injury.
This was a harrowing experience for Trooper Hundley who was airlifted to the hospital and has suffered life–changing injuries that may not allow him to return to his position as a Trooper with the NCSHP. It is our continued hope that Trooper Hundley achieves a full recovery.
This case was resolved by Assistant District Attorney Stormy Ellis from the Vance County office of District Attorney Mike Waters.