KNIGHTDALE, N.C. (WNCN) – The dump truck driver involved in a deadly crash in Wake County could face more charges down the line. Victor Sumner appeared in court Wednesday on misdemeanor charges related to that crash, but the judge warned this could get more serious.
The District Attorney’s office is still investigating the circumstances of the crash and waiting on the results of a blood test. The judge said more serious charges could come out of that investigation.
The crash happened just after 9:15 a.m. Tuesday in Knightdale. Investigators with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol said Sumner veered off the right side of Mail Plantation Road, crossed the center line and crashed head-on into a tanker truck. That driver, Scott Painter, died at the scene.
“I think Your Honor needs to know a bit about the facts in this case, about why this is potentially more than just a misdemeanor death,” prosecutors said in court on Wednesday.
Sumner appeared via video in court, facing multiple charges including misdemeanor death by vehicle and reckless driving.
“While on scene, first responders commented that this defendant smelled like controlled substances,” the prosecutor said.
Prosecutors said Sumner told a trooper he was watching movies on Facebook at the time of the crash. He also told the trooper he had not taken any substances that day but said he would take oxycodone as needed, saying he had been prescribed the drug.
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“I’ll get into that a little bit further in just a moment about why I do not believe that that is accurate,” the prosecutor said, adding that in the interview with the trooper, “There were inconsistencies in [Sumner’s] timeline, inconsistencies in his story about how the crash happened, simple facts such as whether he was carrying a load at the time.”
The DA’s office said they are waiting for the results on Sumner’s blood test from Tuesday.
Prosecutors also described Sumner’s driving record – 11 speeding or reckless driving convictions – and his criminal record. In less than a year, he was charged three times with possessing a controlled substance. In one case, he was also charged with a DWI and carrying a concealed gun.
“Again, all consistent with oxycodone and illicit oxycodone possession, not one with a prescription,” the prosecutor said.
After the prosecutor spoke, the judge warned Sumner things could get worse.
“You’re potentially facing a lot more serious charges than the misdemeanors that you are facing currently,” Judge Rashad Hauter.
As his appearance wrapped up, Sumner was visibly upset, saying, “Oh God, I ain’t never gonna be able to work.”
The judge set Sumner’s bond at $350,000. If he gets out on bond, he is not allowed to drive and will have to submit to random drug tests.
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