Driver charged with child abuse, DWI in Wake Forest crash

Authorities said deputies responded to a single car crash on Mangum Dairy Road at about 6:30 p.m.

Crews worked the scene for several hours and video from the scene showed the car crumpled in a wooded area off the road. Initially, troopers were told that the driver of the vehicle had a self-inflicted gunshot wound, but that turned out to be incorrect. An unloaded gun was found inside the car, authorities said.

Authorities said the driver of the car, Damien Cannady, 33, of Franklinton was seriously injured in the crash while his children, ages 4 and 8, were treated for minor injuries. All three were taken to Duke Hospital.

Authorities said Cannady was not wearing his seatbelt and hit the windshield of the car during the crash.

Troopers said Cannady is facing charges of two counts of child abuse, driving while impaired, reckless driving, driving with a suspended license, not wearing a seatbelt and a lane violation. He will be arrested and formally charged upon his release from the hospital.

Authorities said Cannady has a long history of charges.

Mangum Dairy Road was closed to traffic while authorities cleared the scene, but reopened late Monday night for people living in the neighborhood to return home.