NC trooper injured in crash with stolen SUV in Wilson

A State Highway Patrol trooper was injured Thursday night in a crash involving a stolen SUV.

The SHP said around 9:30 p.m. troopers attempted to stop a stolen Mazda CX-5 on N.C. Highway 222 in Wilson County.

The driver didn't stop, and a chase ensued.

During the chase, the driver struck a SHP vehicle, and both vehicles went off the roadway, striking several trees.

The trooper and driver, identified as Robert Bruce Hoffman, 39, of Wilson, were both transported to a local hospital.

After he is released from the hospital, Hoffman will be charged with felony flee to elude, felony possession of a stolen vehicle, felony assault on a government official inflicting serious injury, reckless driving and driving while impaired, the SHP said.