Local News

Man Drives into Power Pole During Police Chase

A Smithfield man faces felony charges after he drove into a power pole while trying to get away from Selma police.

Posted Updated

SELMA, N.C. — A Smithfield man faces felony charges after he drove into a power pole while trying to get away from Selma police.

Police tried to pull over Michael Matheny, 18, on Tuesday night because the truck he was driving had been reported stolen.

Matheny drove off and several minutes later he hit a power pole at Buffalo Road and Old Beulah Road, officers said.

Police said Matheny was trying to make a right hand turn and was going too fast, causing him to hit the pole.

The truck ended up in the yard of the historic Mitchener Station, which is thought to be the oldest surviving train station in North Carolina.

Matheny faces charges that include felony fleeing to elude arrest.

Matheny was taken to a hospital. No information was available on his condition Wednesday morning.

Copyright 2024 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.