December 31, 2024
CARRBORO, N.C. -- On December 30, 2024, at approximately 4:52 p.m., a witness called 911 and reported a hit and run crash in Chapel Hill. The witness followed a vehicle that fled the scene of the hit and run and provided updates on the vehicle's location. A Chapel Hill Police Officer attempted to stop the fleeing vehicle just inside Carrboro's jurisdiction. The vehicle did not stop, continued to flee, and crashed shortly after the attempted vehicle stop. The location of the crash was Oak Avenue and East Poplar Avenue in Carrboro. As a result of the single vehicle crash, the two occupants of the vehicle were killed. No additional injuries have been reported as a result of this incident.
The driver of the crashed vehicle was identified as Lawrence Richard Edwards, 43, of Chapel Hill. The passenger was identified as Jonathan Lynn Blancett, 43, of Durham. Speed appears to be a factor in the crash and neither vehicle occupant was wearing a seatbelt. Toxicology results are pending.
The investigation into the initial hit and run, the attempted vehicle stop, and the vehicle crash are ongoing and active. The Carrboro Police Department and the Chapel Hill Police Department are working this incident with the assistance of the NC Highway Patrol.
Media Point of Contact: Chief Chris Atack, 919-918-7407
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