Presumably drunk driver crashes into police car in Gastonia

GASTONIA, NC — A suspected impaired driver collided with a Gastonia police car Wednesday evening, according to police officials.

The accident occurred shortly before 9:30 p.m. in the 1300 block of Gaston Avenue in Gastonia, police said.

“At this point in the investigation, we know that the driver, identified as 32-year-old Jouse Perez of Gastonia, rear-ended the officer in the patrol car,” a Gastonia police spokesman said in a statement.

The spokesman said police believe the driver was impaired.

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A photo from the scene of the accident shows severe damage to the police car.

“Gastonia Police would like to remind everyone not to drive while intoxicated this holiday weekend,” the spokesman said, pointing out that the legal blood alcohol limit in North Carolina is .08.

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