North Carolina Deputy Wrecks Cruiser
CARTHAGE, N.C. -- A Moore County sheriff's deputy is recovering from cuts and bruises after he crashed his cruiser while responding to a call over the weekend, authorities said.
Deputy Christopher Heath McKenzie was driving south on Vass-Carthage Road about 7:30 p.m. Saturday when he drove off the road and down an embankment while rounding a curve just north of Joel Road, said Trooper Kenny Evans with the N.C. Highway Patrol.
The 2010 Ford Crown Victoria hit the bottom of the embankment and drove off into the grass. The collision caused cuts to the 35-year-old deputy's face and bruised his legs and shoulders, Evans said.
He was taken to FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital, where he was treated and released. McKenzie, who has been a deputy for five years, is on medical leave recovering from his injuries, said Chief Deputy Neil Godfrey.
Evans said the deputy was driving with his lights and siren activated.
Godfrey said he was responding to a report of a suspicious vehicle, not a "priority one" emergency call.
Godfrey said it's too early to say whether McKenzie will face disciplinary action. The Highway Patrol must complete its investigation first.
Damage to the patrol car was estimated at $8,000, Godfrey said.
McClatchy-Tribune News Service