GOLDSBORO, N.C. — A Pikeville man is facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges after authorities say he crashed head-on into a North Carolina State Highway Patrol vehicle while driving the wrong way on U.S. 70 Friday night.
According to the N.C. State Highway Patrol, a trooper was traveling eastbound in the inside lane of U.S. 70 near Spence Avenue when a passenger vehicle traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes struck the patrol car.
Both vehicles, including a 2017 Hyundai Elantra, came to rest near the point of impact. The trooper was transported to Wayne Memorial Hospital, where he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
Troopers identified the driver of the Hyundai as Dylan Grant Smith, 29, of Pikeville. Authorities reported detecting a strong odor of alcohol and observing other signs of impairment when they made contact with Smith at the scene. He was arrested and transported to the Wayne County Jail.
Investigators said Smith refused a post-arrest breath test, prompting troopers to obtain a blood sample. He was not injured in the crash.
Smith is charged with felony hit and run with injury, felony serious injury by vehicle, driving while impaired, reckless driving with wanton disregard, assault on a government official, assault with a deadly weapon, resisting a public officer, and possession of an open container of alcohol, along with multiple traffic infractions including driving the wrong way on a dual-lane highway and failing to wear a seat belt.
Eastbound lanes of U.S. 70 were closed for several hours during the investigation, with traffic diverted onto Spence Avenue.
Smith is being held at the Wayne County Detention Center under a $150,000 secured bond. His first court appearance is scheduled for February 2, 2026, at the Wayne County Courthouse.
