Woman Hits Patrol Car, Charged With DWI, Hit-And-Run

Miles Ruder,

MORGANTON, N.C. – A Lexington woman was arrested in Morganton after being involved in a hit-and-run and initiating a police chase, all while under the influence, on Saturday night.

Around 11:30 p.m., officers responded to Downtown Morganton near Toner’s Pub to investigate a hit and run. The initial collision resulted in a parked vehicle’s rear bumper being hit, forcing it into a utility pole.

Officials said the suspect’s vehicle left the scene, but it was found nearby at an Ingle’s parking lot on Carbon City Road.

When officers spoke to the suspect, 34-year-old Cassandra Queen, they say she refused to cooperate and believed she was intoxicated based on her actions and substances in the car.

When police told her to exit the vehicle and that she was under arrest, Queen allegedly started her car, put it in reverse and hit a patrol car.

Queen left the parking lot, and a chase ensued onto Jamestown Road toward Interstate 40. She drove onto I-40 east, but her vehicle was quickly disabled after a trooper used a device to deflate the tires.

Queen was arrested and charged with numerous criminal offenses, including:

  • Driving While Impaired
  • Felony Flee to Elude Arrest
  • Speeding
  • Driving While License Revoked
  • Hit And Run, Leaving the Scene (Property Damage)
  • Resisting Public Officer, 3 counts
  • Driving the Wrong Way on a Dual Lane Highway
  • Fail to Burn Headlamps
  • Failing to Stop for a Stop Light
  • Reckless Driving

Queen was already driving on a suspended license for previous DWI offenses. Her vehicle was also seized by the state.

Queen is being held at the Burke County Jail on a $24,000 bond. Her first court appearance is on Monday.