Durham, NC (August 14, 2026) – One person was hospitalized on Wednesday evening after a Wake Forest police cruiser collided with a silver Toyota Highlander near Holloway Street and Raynor Street in Durham.
The pursuit began around 7:05 p.m. after officers spotted a driver operating a vehicle recklessly with a fictitious temporary tag near Dr. Calvin Jones Highway and S. Main Street in Wake Forest. Police said the chase reached speeds of 100 mph based on radio traffic.
The pursuit ended when the police cruiser struck the Highlander. The driver of the Highlander was taken to a hospital, but the extent of the person’s injuries was not released.
The suspect was driving a silver Volvo station wagon with 30-day tags and fled after the collision. Both vehicles sustained significant damage. The investigation into the wreck remains ongoing.
We hope the hospitalized person makes a full recovery.
What Should Drivers Know About Police Pursuit Crashes?
Police pursuits can pose heightened risks to drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and officers because vehicles may travel at high speeds amid changing traffic conditions. Sudden lane changes, intersections, and unexpected movements can make these situations especially difficult for other motorists.
Drivers who encounter a pursuit should avoid following or interfering with the vehicles involved. Maintaining a safe distance and allowing emergency vehicles room to move can reduce additional hazards.
High-speed driving also increases the distance needed to stop and can make steering corrections more difficult. Even a brief loss of control can lead to a serious roadway collision. Seatbelts remain an important safety measure for everyone inside a vehicle, regardless of whether a person is driving normally or caught in a developing pursuit.
