A tragic early morning crash in Johnston County has claimed the life of Jose Alberto Francisco-Perez, 40, of Raleigh, while Luis Angel Chaidez Gonzalez, 30, of Raleigh, who has been identified as the suspect, has been arrested, following a single-vehicle rollover accident on Interstate 42 near the Wake County line.
According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at approximately 2:23 a.m. along the westbound lanes of Interstate 42. Authorities say a 2008 Ford Ranger was traveling west when it ran off the road to the right. The driver then overcorrected, causing the vehicle to cross back over the roadway, exit off the left side, and roll over multiple times before coming to rest upright in the roadway. Both occupants were ejected from the vehicle during the violent crash.
Emergency crews arrived to find both men lying in the roadway. Jose Alberto Francisco-Perez, the passenger, was transported to Wake Medical Center in Raleigh, where he later died from his injuries. Luis Angel Chaidez Gonzalez, the driver, was also taken to the hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Officials confirmed that neither occupant was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.
Investigators say speed and alcohol impairment were contributing factors in the crash. Authorities confirmed that Luis Angel Chaidez Gonzalez was later arrested and charged with felony death by motor vehicle, driving while impaired, no operator’s license, careless and reckless driving, an open container violation, and failure to wear a seat belt.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol continues to investigate the crash. Anyone with information is asked to contact Sgt. Nathan White at 919-934-2186 or 919-733-3861.
This devastating crash serves as a reminder of the dangers of impaired driving, speeding, and failing to wear a seat belt. As loved ones mourn Jose Alberto Francisco-Perez, his life and memory remain in the hearts of those who knew him. Authorities continue to urge drivers to make safe and responsible decisions behind the wheel, as tragedies like this highlight how quickly lives can change.
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