Driver charged in wreck that killed passenger

A Wilson County man has been charged in connection with a two-car crash that killed his passenger Thursday night west of Havelock.

Javier Rodriguez, of Sims, was driving a black Camaro east on U.S. 70 in heavy rain when he lost control, crossed the median and struck a Pontiac Grand Prix going west.

The crash killed Jason Etheridge, 20, of Sims, who was riding with Rodriguez.

Rodriguez was injured in the crash but was later released from the hospital, according to Trooper Scott Casner with the N.C. Highway Patrol. Rodriguez has been charged with driving while impaired, exceeding a safe speed for rainy conditions, driving on unsafe tires and not wearing a seatbelt, Casner said.

"The tires on the car were bald," Casner said.

Rodriguez is in the Craven County Jail with his bail set at $10,000.

The driver of the Grand Prix, Melissa DePriest, a Cherry Point Marine, suffered a broken leg in the crash but will be all right, Casner said.

The crash happened shortly after 5 p.m. Thursday near Flanners Beach Road.

The Camaro slid sideways, with the passenger side of the car enduring a direct impact from the Grand Prix. The passenger side of the car caved in, pinning Etheridge in the vehicle. He died at the scene.

Traffic backed up on U.S. 70 West to Tucker Creek, and delays reached an hour.

Emergency crews cleared the wreck shortly before 7 p.m., and traffic began to flow smoothly.