Driver charged after hitting sheriff deputy’s car following illegal drifting event

A 21-year-old was arrested Saturday after his car collided with a Robeson County Sheriff’s Office deputy and patrol vehicle during an illegal drifting event in Red Springs.

Deputies responded to the Thunder Valley Speedway multiple times Saturday following reports that people were being struck by participating vehicles.

Sheriff’s office officials determined the event needed to be shut down due to safety reasons. When members of the crowd refused to leave and interfered with deputies, officers used PepperBall launchers to disperse attendees and end the event.

During efforts to clear the venue, several participating vehicles surrounded a deputy and his patrol car. While maneuvering around the patrol vehicle, Terell Harper collided with the deputy and his car.

Officers immediately took Harper, of Charlotte, into custody and seized his vehicle.

A second patrol vehicle was also damaged by the crowd.

Harper was charged with misdemeanor assault on a government official and injury to personal property.

He was released on a $2,000 unsecured bond.