MONROE, N.C. — Sgt. Jeffrey Wayne Greene, 54, was killed after a tractor-trailer truck overturned on top of his patrol car in Union County. Β Now, the driver of the truck is facing charges.
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Investigators say a tractor trailer truck was heading west on Highway 74. Β The driver allegedly could not stop the truck fast enough when the truck approached the intersection of Highway 74 and Sutherland Avenue. Β
The patrol vehicle was in the left lane waiting to turn on Sutherland Avenue. Β A passenger car was in the center lane and a tanker truck was in the right lane. Β
The truck driver swerved to avoid hitting the tanker truck, jack-knifed and landed on both the passenger vehicle and the patrol car. Β
Greene car was pronounced dead on the scene. Β The truck driver and the driver of the passenger car were both taken to a local hospital with minor injuries.
Investigators say the driver of the tractor trailer truck will be charged with misdemeanor death by motor vehicle. Β
The accident happened just after 7am. Β The NC Highway Patrol is investigating the fatal wreck. Β
Sgt. Greene began his career with the Union County Sheriff’s Office in December 2004. Β Greene was promoted to the rank of Corporal in November 2005 and subsequently promoted in September of 2006 to Sergeant. Β
He currently supervised the Support Services Bureau which overseas the issuance of gun permits, fingerprinting and sex offender registration. Β Greene was also a proud Air Force Airmen and a United States Marine, serving his country for 10 years and receiving an Honorable Discharge in 1989.
He is survived by his wife April, children Nicolle and Allison and give grandchildren. Β
Sheriff Eddie Cathey says, “Jeff Greene was a personal friend, a family man, and a valuable member of our Sheriff’s Office family. Β His loss is a tragedy, not only to his family and friends, but to the citizens of Union County. Β His orientation of service to the community was a quality that should be embraced and emulated by us all. Β He will be missed.”
