Police: Driver plows into hedges by UNC bell tower after pursuit

CHAPEL HILL, North Carolina (WTVD) -- A grounds worker for UNC spent Monday morning cleaning up debris and ripped up brush just outside of the university's bell tower.

Authorities said the mess was caused by a reckless driver.

Mazin Majid Hattar, 22, of Candler, is accused of plowing his silver Ford Mustang through the hedge after speeding through Chapel Hill.

Police said the incident happened Sunday afternoon around 3:30 p.m.

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Students said they're thankful that nobody was seriously hurt.

"There's some crazy people who really don't have regard for anyone else out here," said UNC student Jordan Mason.

"It could have destroyed somebody, or ruin a family, or someone's life; that's insane," added UNC student Morgan Mashburn.

Authorities told ABC11 an officer first clocked the driver hitting high speeds on Raleigh Road - records show he was driving 93 in a 35 mph zone.

The officer then tried to catch up, but the driver went on to campus grounds.

Police said the vehicle was eventually discovered north of campus with three flat tires.

Hattar was charged with speeding and reckless driving.