Teen driver, passenger face charges in deadly crash involving NCSHP pursuit, suspected impairment

WAYNE COUNTY, N.C. (WTVD) -- Two people are dead and two teenagers were injured in a high-speed chase in Wayne County.

On Sunday, at 11:26 p.m., a North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP) trooper saw a driver in a blue Ford Mustang going over 120 mph on US 70 in Wayne County.

The trooper tried to stop the car, but the Mustang driver kept going. That's when a pursuit ensued that went into Johnston County before going back into Wayne County.

While on Pinkney Road near Kenly, the driver lost control and hit a tree, according to NCSHP.

Two passengers in the back seat were thrown from the vehicle and died at the scene. They've been identified as 16-year-old Braylen Newson, of Pikeville and 18-year-old Joshua Jerome Carter Jr. of Dudley, NC.

The 17-year-old driver and 16-year-old front-seat passenger were wearing seat belts and were taken into custody. The two were taken to UNC Wayne Hospital in Goldsboro with non-life-threatening injuries.

State troopers said alcohol and marijuana and the teen driver is suspected of being impaired. In addition, troopers say two guns were also found in the car.

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