Trooper hurt, man charged with DWI after crash on I-85 in Orange County: news
12-10-2026
Trooper Injured, Driver Charged with DWI Following Crash on I-85 in Orange County
A North Carolina State Highway Patrol trooper was hospitalized and a motorist faces driving while impaired (DWI) charges following a collision on Interstate 85 in Orange County.
The incident took place along southbound I-85 near the Interstate 40 split, just west of Exit 164 at South Churton Street. Investigators reported that a patrol vehicle was positioned on the roadway when an oncoming motorist struck the cruiser. Emergency crews responded to the scene, and the injured trooper was transported to an area medical facility for evaluation and treatment.
Law enforcement officers determined that the driver was impaired at the time of the collision, resulting in formal DWI charges along with related traffic infractions. The crash caused temporary lane closures along the southbound corridor of I-85 as cleanup crews and reconstruction teams processed the area.
Motorists are reminded to stay vigilant, avoid driving under the influence, and obey state Move Over laws when approaching first responders and stationary emergency vehicles on highways.