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Decorated state trooper injured while pursuing reckless driver

A state trooper was injured Monday afternoon after hitting a median to avoid a wreck while pursuing a reckless driver.

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N.C. State Trooper Jack L. Thorpe
RALEIGH, N.C. — A decorated state trooper was injured Monday afternoon after hitting a median to avoid a wreck while pursuing a reckless driver.

Trooper Jack L. Thorpe responded to Lake Wheeler Road near Interstate 40 due to numerous calls of reckless driving by several motorcycles, said Lt. Jeff Gordon, Highway Patrol spokesman.

Once arriving in the area, Thorpe observed a red sports bike driving recklessly. The motorcyclist fled after Thorpe activated his lights and sirens, Gordon said.

As Thorpe approached Interstate 40, a car coming off the highway turned into the path of his vehicle. Thorpe missed the car by veering to the left, but then struck the median, Gordon said.

Thorpe received minor injuries but was taken to WakeMed for evaluation.

Thorpe earned the Highway Patrol's Distinguished Service Award and Meritorious Award in 2010 for taking care of three children whose father and stepmother he suspected of abuse. In 2011, he was nominated for  the "America's Most Wanted" All Star competition, which lets viewers of the popular crime show pick a first responder to honor.

The motorcycle was last seen travelling on Bloodworth Street near downtown Raleigh. The operator was described as a black male, weighing approximately 280 pounds wearing a black vest with an unknown white insignia.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Highway Patrol at 919-733-3861.

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