Swansboro Man Charged with DWI After Crashing into Urgent Care Clinic
CEDAR POINT, N.C. – A Saturday afternoon crash into an urgent care clinic has left a Swansboro man facing multiple charges, including driving while impaired (DWI). The incident occurred at approximately 3:35 p.m. on Highway 24 in Cedar Point, sending shockwaves through the community and temporarily shuttering the healthcare facility.
According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, 54-year-old William Thorpe was traveling eastbound on Highway 24 when his pickup truck veered across the center line. Thorpe’s vehicle then struck a westbound car before careening off the roadway and crashing directly into the front of Impact Healthcare, an urgent care clinic located on the highway. The impact caused significant damage to both the truck and the building.
First responders arriving at the scene found Thorpe in need of immediate medical attention. Highway Patrol troopers reported that Narcan, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses, was administered to Thorpe at the scene. This suggests a possible contributing factor to the erratic driving that led to the crash. After receiving on-site medical assistance, Thorpe was transported to Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune for further evaluation and treatment of his injuries.
The driver of the other vehicle involved in the collision sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene. Fortunately, Impact Healthcare was closed at the time of the incident, preventing what could have been a far more serious situation with potential injuries to staff and patients. The clinic typically operates on weekdays but remains closed on weekends. Following the crash, the clinic announced on social media that it would also remain closed on Monday to assess the damage and make necessary repairs. The extent of the structural damage to the clinic and the estimated cost of repairs are yet to be determined.
Thorpe now faces a series of charges stemming from the incident. The Highway Patrol has charged him with driving while impaired, failure to maintain lane control, and a seatbelt violation. These charges underscore the severity of the incident and the potential dangers of driving under the influence of impairing substances. The legal proceedings against Thorpe are expected to commence in the coming weeks, with potential penalties including fines, license suspension, and even jail time depending on the outcome of the case. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible driving and the devastating consequences that can result from impaired driving.
The crash has sparked conversations within the Cedar Point community about road safety and the prevalence of impaired driving. Local authorities and community organizations are working together to raise awareness about the dangers of driving under the influence and to promote responsible driving habits. This incident highlights the vital role that healthcare facilities like Impact Healthcare play in the community and the disruption caused by unforeseen events like this crash. While the clinic remains closed for repairs, residents are encouraged to seek medical attention at nearby facilities or contact their primary care physicians for non-emergency medical needs. The community is rallying around Impact Healthcare, expressing their support and hoping for a swift reopening of the clinic, a vital resource for the local population.
