UNION COUNTY, N.C. — A Union County patrol car was struck by an impaired driver Tuesday off Lawyers Road, deputies said.
According to the sheriff’s office, Noel Catarino Velasqueaz hit the vehicle on the rear passenger side while a deputy was responding to a crash.
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Deputies say Velasqueaz didn’t stop after the crash and continued down the roadway. The deputy was able to catch up to him about a mile and a half away and conducted a traffic stop during which Velasqueaz showed signs of impairment.
While speaking with the deputy, Velasquez claimed he had the green light when he hit the patrol car. However, there was no traffic signal near the original crash.
Velasqueaz was arrested and charged with hit and run property damage, driving while impaired, no liability insurance and open container. He was issued a $15,000 secured bond and is currently being held under a detainer.
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