State Trooper Seriously Injured Following Hit and Run

BY Spectrum News Staff Vance County

UPDATED 3:12 PM ET Oct. 23, 2019 PUBLISHED 9:44 AM ET Oct. 23, 2019 PUBLISHED 9:44 AM EDT Oct. 23, 2019

VANCE COUNTY, N.C. -- A state trooper was hit by a car in Vance County while making a traffic stop.

The trooper was seriously injured and airlifted to Duke Hospital
Justin O'Bryant Venable, the driver accused of hitting the trooper with his car and driving off, was taken into custody
The incident happened around 8 p.m. last night in the north bound lanes of U.S. 1

The trooper, who is a 12-year veteran, was seriously injured and airlifted to Duke Hospital.

Justin O'Bryant Venable, the driver accused of hitting the trooper with his car and driving off, was taken into custody.

He remains in jail on a $35,000 bond.

BREAKING: Authorities have charged Justin O'Bryant Venable with hitting a state trooper over night. He has several charges including DWI and felony hit and run. He's in custody on a $35,000 bond. Trooper is now recovering at @DukeHealth. I'll have an update at noon @SpecNewsRDU pic.twitter.com/GRRCjogM8x
— Chris Williams (@ChrisW_SpecNews) October 23, 2019

The incident happened around 8 p.m. last night in the north bound lanes of U.S. 1.

Right after, another trooper quickly responded to the scene to help before the helicopter arrived.

According to Sergeant Chris Knox with the State Highway Patrol, the crash is a reminder for drivers to move over when they see flashing lights on the side of the road.

Last night, several troopers parked their patrol cars around the hospital to show support.

Venable will make his first court appearance on Thursday in Vance County.

“I am very thankful to announce doctors have given Trooper Hundley a positive prognosis and hope to release him very soon, allowing him to recover at home", said Colonel Glenn M. McNeill, Jr. on Wednesday, October 23.