Car chase ends in fiery crash, 19-year-old driver hospitalized

WILSON COUNTY, N.C. (WTVD) -- A 19-year-old was seriously injured in a crash after leading a Wilson County deputy on a chase, according to investigators.

Investigators said it happened just before 11 p.m. on Bullstone Road near the town of Sims.

The deputy, identified as Paul Pierce, tried to stop a Jeep Cherokee on US-264 Alt for careless and reckless driving. The Jeep did not stop, so Pierce chased after it into Nash County.

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Pierce and the Jeep he was chasing after lost control in a sharp curve and ran off the road into the woods. Pierce hit several small trees, eventually slowing to a stop and catching fire.

Pierce was able to get out of his patrol car and detain the five people in the Jeep. After the whole ordeal, Pierce was taken to the hospital with minor injuries.

The 19-year-old driver of the Jeep was rushed to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. The other four people were not injured and were allowed to go home after they spoke with deputies.