Investigators: Motorcyclist fled from trooper before fatal Raleigh wreck

A 34-year-old motorcyclist died early Saturday after crashing into a curb and several trees while fleeing from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, investigators said.

According to 1st Lt. Jeff Gordon, Michael Anthony Apodaca, of Cate Breton Drive, Raleigh, was speeding down New Bern Avenue at about 12:30 a.m. Saturday when a trooper attempted to pull him over.

Apodaca sped away before he crashed on Poole Road near Parnell Drive, Gordon said. Apodaca was pronounced dead at the scene.

No information about the cause of Apodaca's crash has been released.

Gordon said Apodaca was issued two traffic citations by a Raleigh police officer Friday night, one for illegal passing and one fore no operator's license.

Authorities shut down Poole Road near the scene of the wreck for several hours. It reopened early Saturday.