Lexington Police investigate crash involving children

Lexington Police Investigate Serious Traffic Crash with Injured Juveniles

LEXINGTON, NC – Shortly before 10:00 am today, Lexington Police Officers responded to a traffic crash on Fairview Drive near Fairway Drive. Upon arrival, officers discovered that a 2010 Pontiac G6 had crashed into the back of a North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) truck parked in the roadway so state crews could remove storm debris. A state employee occupied the NCDOT truck.

The driver of the Pontiac was 35-year-old Amber Brooke Whitaker, who was also carrying four juvenile passengers, ranging in ages from 3 to 15 years old. Initial investigations show that Whitaker was traveling south on Fairview Drive. Whitaker failed to stop for the NCDOT crew, who had one lane of travel blocked and were utilizing flashing caution lights on their vehicles and a stop/slow sign to direct traffic through the work area. As a result of the crash, all four juveniles in Whitaker’s vehicle sustained severe injuries. One of the juveniles remains in critical condition at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Hospital. The occupant of the NCDOT truck was not injured.

Lexington Police Department’s traffic crash reconstruction team responded to the scene and began an extensive investigation. As officers continued their investigation, probable cause was developed to arrest and charge Whitaker with driving while impaired. In addition to DWI, Whitaker is also being found by investigators to have contributed to the crash by failing to reduce speed, and careless and reckless driving. At the time of this release, Whitaker has not yet been before a judge to determine bond and court date.

Lexington Fire Department and Davidson County EMS assisted at the scene. This incident is currently an open investigation. Investigators will consult the Davidson County District Attorney’s Office to determine if further charges are warranted. Anyone with information about this case, please call the Lexington Police Department at (336) 243- 3302 or Lexington Area Crime Stoppers (336) 243-2400.