It was a beautiful Saturday in Moore County to be outside enjoying the weather, and lots of motorcycles could be seen out on the roads taking advantage of this. Unfortunately for one of those riders, his ride ended in a crash.
According to authorities, a Mercedes SUV traveling northbound on U.S. Highway 15-501 from Pinehurst was following a Harley Davidson motorcycle shortly before 4 p.m. When the vehicles approached Cox’s Double Eagle Harley Davidson in the Eastwood community, the motorcycle slowed down to turn left into the business.
The driver of the SUV slowed down but collided with the rear of the motorcycle as it was turning, according to officials. The motorcycle stopped on the shoulder of the road, but the rider was thrown off.
According to officials, the male rider was the only one injured and sustained road rash. He was transported to Moore Regional Hospital for treatment.
The SUV driver fled the scene and drove to his house, but witnesses got his license plate information, and law enforcement intercepted him as he pulled into his driveway, according to authorities. He was detained and brought back to the scene.
N.C. Highway Patrol was investigating the crash and told Sandhills Sentinel that charges were pending on the driver of the Mercedes for DWI and leaving the scene of an accident.
When the first crash happened, and traffic abruptly came to a halt, a second wreck occurred in front of Pinehurst Mini-Storage. A Chevrolet Colorado failed to stop and rear-ended a Jeep, said officials. The Chevrolet sustained significant front-end damage, and both occupants were transported to Moore Regional Hospital to be checked out.
The occupants of the Jeep were not injured but were checked out by EMS at the scene.
U.S. Highway 15-501 was shut down between N.C. 22 and the crash scene. Rockwell Towing arrived at the second wreck to tow the Chevrolet Colorado.
~Article and photo by Sandhills Sentinel reporter Daniel Gwyn.
