3 Hurt in Car Chase

DURHAM — A car being chased by police broadsided another vehicle Friday night, sending three men to the hospital.

The identities of those hurt were not released, but paramedics said none of the injuries seemed life-threatening.

Troopers said a car driven by James L. Faulkner, 29, of Green Street in Durham, was stopped after it was clocked speeding. As officers spoke with Faulkner, he allegedly sped off. The car drove the wrong way on a Durham Freeway exit ramp, then spun around and headed downtown, with officers giving chase.

Troopers say Faulkner's car then moved onto Fayetteville Street, ran a red light and plowed into a car carrying four men. The driver, Johnny Clay of Durham, was not hurt.

Troopers say Faulkner then ran off on foot, but was caught in a few moments. Although he refused to take a Breathalyzer test, troopers cited what they said was a "strong odor of alcohol and glassy eyes," and a magistrate found probable cause that his blood alcohol was probably above the legal limit.

Faulkner was jailed in lieu of $3,500 bond. He has been charged with two felonies and eight misdemeanors: felony hit-and-run and speeding to elude arrest; driving while impaired, speeding, driving in the wrong direction, no headlights on, failure to have an operator's license, not wearing a seatbelt, running a red light, and driving a car without due caution.