North Carolina man charged with 12 felonies after killing cyclist in Wake County
Police say 76-year-old Donald Robert Morris-Jones fled the scene before crashing into a ditch, leaving one rider dead and seven others hospitalized.
By Carlos Rousseau ·
A 76-year-old man faces more than a dozen felony charges after a Saturday morning crash on Optimist Farm Road killed a cyclist and injured several others.
Wake County authorities identified the driver as Donald Robert Morris-Jones of Apex. Investigators say he struck a group of riders near Talicud Trail before leaving the scene. His vehicle came to rest in a ditch approximately half a mile from the initial impact point. Patrick Turner, 63, died in the crash. Seven other people were taken to the hospital. Thirty riders were affected by the incident.
Morris-Jones is charged with felony hit-and-run involving serious injury or death. He also faces charges for driving while impaired and one count of felony death by vehicle. The Capital Cycling Club, which has operated for over 30 years, released a statement describing the collision as a senseless decision rather than an accident. The club noted that its members ride in three distinct groups on Saturdays at designated paces. They stated that the driver likely knew he had hit the group and chose to keep driving.
Dileep Dadlani, a member of the club since 2008, said the community reacted with immediate anger and sorrow. He described the group as safety-conscious and noted that the crash could have been prevented. Dadlani said the driver appeared to be intoxicated. He recalled being struck by a vehicle years ago while training, an experience that broke his collarbone and left a lasting impression. He now trains on a stationary bike or rides off-road to avoid traffic. Dadlani urged drivers to slow down and pay attention to cyclists sharing the road.
The club board extended condolences to Turner's family and friends. They described Turner as a strong and consistent rider. The organization said it is working closely with law enforcement to ensure justice is served. They also thanked first responders for their rapid arrival and professional care at the scene.
A memorial now stands at the crash site on Optimist Farm Road. The area marks the location where Turner was killed and the other riders were struck on the morning of November 7.
The investigation remains active as authorities process evidence from the scene and the ditch where Morris-Jones crashed.
