By Shavonne Potts
spotts@salisburypost.com
SALISBURY – A Thomasville man who authorities said was standing in the roadway was struck by a vehicle early this morning at the intersection of Patterson and Cooper roads.
The incident occurred at 5:56 a.m. when James Whitaker, 29, was standing in the middle of Patterson Road, said Trooper S.B. Marshall of the N.C. Highway Patrol.
Whitaker was wearing all dark blue and black clothing, Marshall said.
Chelsea Upright, 22, of China Grove, was traveling on Patterson Road in her Jeep Liberty when she hit Whitaker.
Upright told authorities she didn’t immediately see Whitaker, but tried to swerve. Whitaker was hit by the vehicle on the front passenger’s side.
When the trooper arrived to the scene, Whitaker had already been en route to the hospital. He was flown to Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. Whitaker, who was responsive at the scene, had some head trauma and a possible broken leg. The trooper said he didn’t think Whitaker’s injuries were life-threatening.
Upright will not face charges.
Whitaker was charged with standing, sitting or lying upon a highway or street.
The trooper indicated there were earlier reports of someone walking in the middle of the road prior to the incident.
In addition to the Highway Patrol, Locke Fire Department, Rowan County Sheriff’s Office and Rowan EMS responded to the scene.
See more in Thursday’s Post.