High-speed chase ends with crash in embankment

LINCOLN COUNTY, N.C. — A high-speed chase came to an end Friday morning in Lincoln County after the vehicle crashed into an embankment.

The North Carolina State Highway Patrol said troopers tried to pull a 2011 Toyota Corolla for speeding, but the driver did not stop. A chase then ensued in the southbound lanes of Highway 321.

Troopers said the driver attempted to lose them by jerking the vehicle hard into the exit ramp south of Lincolnton. However, the vehicle overturned and went down an embankment in the woods.

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Channel 9′s Dave Faherty watched rescue crews as they used chainsaws to cut through trees to free the driver.

“We were on the hill, approximately a 45-degree angle that was causing the car to be unstable,” said Thomas Raper, with South Fork Fire Rescue. “We had numerous trees that had fallen.”

The driver, Justin Oneil Hinson, 28, of Lancaster, was then airlifted to an area hospital with serious injuries.

Troopers said the chase only lasted five miles, but speeds reached up to 115 miles per hour.

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Faherty spoke with troopers about the collision ahead of the holiday weekend.

“This Easter weekend, there will be lots of traffic. First and foremost, obey the speed limit, and if you get stopped, just go ahead and pull over,” said Trooper Chris Casey.

Charges are pending.

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