Impaired driver causes serious multiple vehicle accident in Lenoir

LENOIR, NC (March 23, 2018)…At approximately 7:26 am, a 2001 Chevrolet pickup (driven by Luke Calhoun) was traveling north on Creekway Drive. Based on preliminary investigation, Calhoun’s vehicle crossed three travel lanes and into opposite lanes of travel. Calhoun first collided into a 2007 Lexus sport utility vehicle (driven by Dawn Martin), causing it to lose control before coming to rest in the center lane. Calhoun continued north in the right southbound lane before colliding head-on with a 2016 Chrysler van (driven by Rachel Greer).

Rachel Greer and Velvie Smith were transported to Caldwell UNC Healthcare and soon after flown to Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, NC. Both sustained multiple injuries and are in critical condition. The 8-year-old passenger in Greer’s vehicle was treated at Caldwell UNC Healthcare and released.

Luke Calhoun was transported to Caldwell UNC Healthcare for treatment and released. The 6-year-old passenger in Calhoun’s vehicle was taken to Caldwell UNC Healthcare and later transported to Brenner Children’s Hospital in Winston-Salem for further treatment. Her condition is stable.

Dawn Martin was not injured in the crash.

At this time, Luke Calhoun has been charged with Driving While Impaired, Driving While License Revoked, and a Lane Control Violation. Investigation into the motor vehicle crash is continuing and additional charges are pending.

No further information is available for release at this time. Anyone with information about the case should call the Lenoir Police Department at 828-757-2100 or report anonymously to Lenoir/Caldwell County Crimestoppers at 828-758-8300.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to those involved.”…By Authority of Chief R. Scott Brown.

Vehicle #1:
Driver – Luke Douglas Calhoun (22 YOA, Valdese NC)
Passenger – white female (6 YOA, Valdese NC)

Vehicle #2:
Driver – Dawn Thomasson Martin (47 YOA, Lenoir NC)

Vehicle #3:
Driver – Rachel Smith Greer (67 YOA, Lenoir NC)
Passenger #1 – Velvie Pearson Smith (87 YOA, Lenoir NC)
Passenger #2 – white male (8 YOA, Lenoir NC)