Troopers: Car fled checkpoint before crashing in Durham

North Carolina State Highway Patrol First Sgt. Jeff Gordon said troopers were conducting a license checkpoint on Roxboro Street when a 2013 Buick LaCrosse approached just before 9 p.m. He said the driver abruptly U-turned and sped off.

Troopers tried to stop the car on Roxboro Street near Interstate 85, Gordon said. But the driver would not heed the lights and sirens, and a chase began.

A few minutes later, the driver was on Duke Street when troopers said he lost control, veered off the roadway and struck a tree on the left shoulder.

The driver, identified as Jeremy Reshad Spencer of Durham, and passenger, identified as Shavonte Cousins of Durham, were both taken to Duke Hospital. Spencer was listed in critical condition Sunday morning; Cousins was listed in fair condition.

All northbound lanes and two southbound lanes of Duke Street were shut down until about 10:30 p.m. while investigators cleared the scene.

Gordon said it was unclear why the driver evaded the checkpoint. The investigation is ongoing and charges are pending.