The Roanoke Wildwood Volunteer Fire Department responded to two vehicle accidents within an hour and one-half of each other on Monday night, July 12.

The first accident occurred on River Road near the Indian Rock Subdivision in Henrico, N.C. at approximately 10:25 p.m. A Toyota Camry driven by George Braswell of Henrico accompanied by his black Lab dog left the roadway and flipped over at least twice before coming to rest against a Dominion Resources utility pole on the west side of the roadway. Braswell admitted he fell asleep at the wheel.

North Carolina State Trooper Coggins investigated the accident along with the Northampton County Sheriff's Department. RWVFD responded with two trucks and eight firefighters along with the Lake Gaston Unit of the Gaston Rescue Squad and four EMS personnel. Emergency personnel remained on the scene until 11:30 p.m. No charges were filed.
The second accident occurred at approximately midnight. A woman driving north on Highway 46 in Henrico made the E-911 call. The witness reported that she was following a black pickup truck that "...was all over the road." The vehicle was observed leaving the north side of the roadway and flipping over several times before landing in the woods on the south side of the road.

When RWVFD Fire Chief, Butch Garnett arrived on the scene he reported that the driver had apparently fled.
The 2002 Dodge Dakota pickup truck was heavily damaged with the driver's side of the roof caved in towards the seat. North Carolina State Trooper Coggins investigated the accident.

Observers noted that the inside of the caved in roof exhibited traces of blood and beer containers were observed in the vehicle.
Harry A. Finch of Henrico, N.C, allegedly operated the vehicle. Identification of the possible driver was made through an examination of a wallet containing his identification that was left in the vehicle. Charges including leaving the scene of an accident and driving under the influence are pending.

RWVFD responded with two trucks and nine firefighters and emergency services personnel remained on the scene assisting law enforcement until 1:30 a.m.

Reprinted with permission from the Lake Gaston Gazette-Observer