Driver charged in chain reaction crash on New Bern Avenue in Raleigh

Samuel Todd Williamson, 18, of Scenic Brook Lane, was charged with felony hit and run, reckless driving and failure to reduce speed.

Police said nine cars were damaged and 10 people were taken to various hospitals after the crash, which occurred before 11:15 a.m. near the intersection of Corporation Parkway in front of the Circle K gas station at 3948 New Bern Ave.

The eastbound lanes of New Bern Avenue were completely shut down until noon.

A preliminary information revealed that an officer was responding to a wreck at the intersection of New Bern Avenue and Corporation Parkway when two vehicles, traveling at a high rate of speed, came down New Bern Avenue. When both speeding vehicles reached the intersection and one rear-ended a stopped vehicle that caused a chain reaction crash with five other stopped vehicles.

The driver of the speeding vehicle that caused the rear end crash attempted to flee the scene on foot, but was quickly detained by responding officers.