NORTH CAROLINA PATROL SAYS DRIVER WHO HIT DEPUTY'S CAR WAS USING CELL PHONE

The Highway Patrol says a driver was checking a message on her cell phone when she ran into the rear of a patrol car. The patrol car, driven by Craven County Sheriff's Deputy Wallace Keith Poythress, slammed into another vehicle. Both the deputy and the driver of the car in front of him were injured.

The wreck happened about 8:30 p.m. Thursday at the intersection of U.S. 70 East and Airport Road. Highway Patrol Sgt. Rich Willis said Mary Katherine Crum, 19, of New Bern was driving the car that hit the deputy's car.

She was charged with reckless driving and driving without a seat belt. Poythree, 41, was treated and released from Craven Regional Medical Center. Sheriff's Capt. Ken Fillingame said Friday morning that Poythress was doing fine.

The patrol car was knocked into a Ford Explorer driven by Thomas VanDyke III, 58, of Yanceyville. VanDyke was also treated and released from Craven Regional Medical Center.