LENOIR, N.C. – Detectives are investigating a fatal crash in Caldwell County after a suspected drunk driver traveled off the road and struck a tree early Sunday morning.
Officers responded to the crash on Calico Road near Townsend Place on Sunday, April 7th at around 3:10 a.m.
At the scene, officers located a 2006 Ford F-250 overturned. The driver, identified as 25-year-old David Patterson Jr., died at the scene.
The initial investigation reveals that Patterson was traveling south on Calico Road. Authorities said Patterson’s vehicle crossed the centerline, traveled off the left side of the road, hit a tree and overturned. The vehicle came to a stop on the driver’s side in a creek, officials said.
Detectives said Patterson was not wearing a seatbelt and impairment was a contributing factor in the crash.
Calico Road was partially closed for approximately two hours so detectives could conduct an on-site investigation.
