A trooper was killed in the crash on Durham Freeway Sunday morning.
Around 3 a.m., troopers responded to the scene on NC-147 near Anderson Street in Durham. Master Trooper Steve J. Perry, 30, was driving a State Highway Patrol Dodge Charger northbound when he was struck head-on by a 2015 Nissan Altima traveling the wrong way. The Altima was driven by Melshawn Moore, 39, of Kinston, NC.
Both men died in the crash, and no other passengers were in either vehicle. Highway patrol says impairment on the part of Moore is suspected as a factor in the crash.
NCSHP
A section of the freeway near Swift Avenue was shut down in both directions for several hours following the incident.
Trooper Perry was a member of the 148th Basic Patrol School and has served Durham County throughout his nearly 7-year career.
“During this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and fellow troopers who had the privilege of serving alongside him. We ask that you keep the entirety of his family and our Patrol Family in your thoughts,” Colonel Freddy Johnson said.
The Highway Patrol noted that impairment on Moore’s part is suspected to have played a role in the crash. The Collision Reconstruction Unit is now leading the investigation.
Eyewitness News spoke with friends of North Carolina State Highway Patrol Trooper Steven Perry.
He was a star offensive lineman for the Riverside High School Pirates, ultimately playing collegiately down the road for NC Central before entering law enforcement.
His brothers in Omega Psi Phi gathered to mourn Perry.
“Perry was just always a humble giant. He always knew the right things to say, how to make you feel good about yourself. He understood that everything wouldn’t be sunshine and joy where he knew how to get you through those tough moments,” said fraternity brother Gary Wood.
The 30-year-old was a member of the 148th Basic Patrol School and served Durham County throughout his nearly seven-year career.
His younger brother Eli, shared how much he welcomed being surrounded by those closest to him.
“Good family man. He always loved to be around his family. Like that was that was the joy of his day, was being around his family,” he said.
