According to a press release from the North Carolina Department of Public Safety and the NC Highway Patrol, on October 22, 2019 at approximately 7:59 p.m., a member of the State Highway Patrol was struck while conducting a traffic stop on US 1 in Vance County. The involved member was in the process of conducting a traffic stop on US 1 northbound near Sunrock Road when he was struck while outside of his patrol vehicle. A nearby trooper responded to the scene and immediately provided medical aid to the injured member. The injured member was flown by helicopter to a nearby hospital and is in serious condition. The driver that had struck the member has been taken into custody at this time. Further details will be provided in a forthcoming release.
In addition to the press release information, WIZS News has learned the name of the injured trooper and that he primarily works in the Franklin County area. Since the injured trooper’s name has not yet officially been released by the NCSHP, WIZS is waiting on releasing his name as well.
Also, charged in connection with this case is Justin O. Venable of the Thomas Road in the Williamsboro community, according to Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame. Brame said Venable was confined to the Vance County Jail under a $35,000 bond. Venable faces charges of felony failure to move over, hit and run, DWI and possession of an open container.