SW4747
09-06-2003, 12:46 PM
Deputy dies in head-on crash
The Associated Press
GARNER, N.C. --
The Wake County sheriff says a deputy killed in a head-on crash was probably at fault because he crossed the center line on a sharp two-lane curve.
William Franklin James II lost control of his patrol car around 8:30 p.m. Friday while responding to a domestic violence call south of Garner, authorities said.
The 33-year-old deputy died at Wake Medical Center in Raleigh as a result of the collision, officials said.
He's the first Wake County deputy to die in the line of duty since 1933, Sheriff Donnie Harrison said.
Authorities said James was traveling east on Rand Road near Highway 50 South when he crossed into the westbound lane and struck another vehicle traveling west on Rand Road.
A female teenage driver in the other vehicle was transported to Wake Medical Center with serious injuries, said Patty McQuillan, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Crime Control and Public Safety. Her name was not released.
The teen, who had recently obtained her driver's license, was the only person in the white passenger vehicle.
Harrison said she lives in Garner.
A fully uniformed, teary-eyed Harrison was surrounded by equally somber members of his administrative staff at the Wake County Public Safety Center late Friday night.
He described the deputy as a member of the sheriff's department for the past three years who had prior law enforcement experience.
"He's one of the best," Harrison said about the young deputy. "As a matter of fact, he was probably going over to the K-9 unit. We had just talked about that."
Details about the crash were sketchy, but authorities confirmed that the officer was on an emergency call about domestic violence with weapons at 2401 Darnley Road about 8:30 p.m.
"Honestly, it looks like it was the deputy's fault," Harrison said. "He apparently crossed the center line."
James previously worked for the Rockingham Police Department, the Sunset Beach Police Department and the Brunswick County Sheriff's Office.
The Morrisville resident also served eight-years in the Navy.
James is survived by his wife and son.
The N.C. Highway Patrol has taken over the investigation and will send a crash reconstruction team to the scene of the accident Saturday, Harrison.
Information from: Washington Daily News
The Associated Press
GARNER, N.C. --
The Wake County sheriff says a deputy killed in a head-on crash was probably at fault because he crossed the center line on a sharp two-lane curve.
William Franklin James II lost control of his patrol car around 8:30 p.m. Friday while responding to a domestic violence call south of Garner, authorities said.
The 33-year-old deputy died at Wake Medical Center in Raleigh as a result of the collision, officials said.
He's the first Wake County deputy to die in the line of duty since 1933, Sheriff Donnie Harrison said.
Authorities said James was traveling east on Rand Road near Highway 50 South when he crossed into the westbound lane and struck another vehicle traveling west on Rand Road.
A female teenage driver in the other vehicle was transported to Wake Medical Center with serious injuries, said Patty McQuillan, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Crime Control and Public Safety. Her name was not released.
The teen, who had recently obtained her driver's license, was the only person in the white passenger vehicle.
Harrison said she lives in Garner.
A fully uniformed, teary-eyed Harrison was surrounded by equally somber members of his administrative staff at the Wake County Public Safety Center late Friday night.
He described the deputy as a member of the sheriff's department for the past three years who had prior law enforcement experience.
"He's one of the best," Harrison said about the young deputy. "As a matter of fact, he was probably going over to the K-9 unit. We had just talked about that."
Details about the crash were sketchy, but authorities confirmed that the officer was on an emergency call about domestic violence with weapons at 2401 Darnley Road about 8:30 p.m.
"Honestly, it looks like it was the deputy's fault," Harrison said. "He apparently crossed the center line."
James previously worked for the Rockingham Police Department, the Sunset Beach Police Department and the Brunswick County Sheriff's Office.
The Morrisville resident also served eight-years in the Navy.
James is survived by his wife and son.
The N.C. Highway Patrol has taken over the investigation and will send a crash reconstruction team to the scene of the accident Saturday, Harrison.
Information from: Washington Daily News