Driver impaired, speeding before fatal New Year’s crash, Durham police say
Durham police say a man was impaired and driving without a license when he lost control of his car on South Alston Avenue early New Year’s morning and crashed, killing his passenger.
Isaiah Thompson, 20, faces several charges, including driving while impaired and felony death by motor vehicle.
His passenger, Agneris Rodriguez, was thrown from the car and pronounced dead at the scene, according to police. It’s not clear if she or Thompson were wearing seat belts.
The crash happened at about 12:35 a.m. Police say Thompson was driving a Honda Accord north on Alston, approaching N.C. 55 near the N.C. Central University campus, when he ran off the road to the right.
Thompson over-corrected, police say, and the car slid sideways, crossing the southbound lane before hitting a utility pole and coming to rest in the front yard of a home.
Police say Thompson was speeding. In addition to DWI and felony death by vehicle, they charged him with reckless driving and driving while his license was revoked.
Police have not released information about Thompson’s blood alcohol level or how fast they think he was driving. They ask anyone with information about the crash to contact Investigator Munter at 919-560-4935, ext. 29448.
Alcohol and speed are common factors in fatal crashes in North Carolina. Each played a role in about a quarter of traffic deaths over the last five years, according to data compiled by the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles.
