By Nathan Hardin
nhardin@salisburypost.com
SALISBURY — A Rockwell man was treated and released after a single-car wreck left his car in pieces.
According to the N.C. State Highway Patrol, John Stone was taken to the hospital after his black Jetta veered off Faith Road Tuesday afternoon and struck several trees on the right shoulder.
The Rowan Rescue Squad, Rowan EMS and South Salisbury firefighters worked to free the entrapped man after the call came in about 3:30 p.m.
Trooper D.H. Deal said witnesses saw the 41-year-old driver leaning into the passenger floorboard before the crash.
Stone hit at least three trees just off the road before coming to a stop facing north on the southbound lane’s embankment.
Rescue crews had to remove a passenger side door and part of the second door in attempts to get the man medical attention.
Deal said the man crashed after he spilled a drink in the car as he was leaning to get something from the Jetta’s floor.
The 240 Gold Knob Road resident was charged with failure to maintain his travel lane.
He was released shortly after being taken to Rowan Regional Medical Center, a spokeswoman for the hospital said.