Crash that involved Durham officer blamed on teen driver

Christian Perez Ventura, 17, caused a serious traffic accident in Durham when he pulled in front of a car driven by a police officer, police said Wednesday.

Officer B. Mincey was eastbound on South Miami Boulevard Tuesday night when Ventura turned into his path from Laurel Drive, officers said.

Ventura and four of his five passengers were taken to Duke Hospital with injuries. One man was listed in serious condition; the injuries of the others were minor.

Ventura was charged with driving while impaired and driving with out a license. Further charges were pending, police said.