NEW HANOVER COUNTY — The 46-year-old man charged in connection to the explosion at New Centre Drive’s Eastern Carolina Medical Veterinary Center appeared in New Hanover County court Thursday. Jason Lee Beach pleaded guilty to the felony charge of causing serious injury after driving while impaired, along with a misdemeanor hit-and-run.
“Mr. Beach, you’re very lucky you didn’t kill someone that day,” Judge Kent Harrell said.
READ MORE: Man in New Centre Drive explosion receives $1M bond, firefighter injuries increase
Beach’s plea to the felony charge comes with a minimum sentence of 16 months in jail and a maximum of 29; Beach has already served 241 days, which will be credited as time-served. The hit-and-run charge carries another 45-day sentence.
He has also been assigned 36 months probation following his imprisonment and will undergo mandated drug treatment. Beach will need to pay a $1,000 fine to the court and more than $350 in legal fees; his driver’s license will also be revoked.
Last August, Beach was making a turn onto New Centre Drive from Bob King Drive but hit a natural gas line and fled the scene before an explosion occurred. Law enforcement located Beach at a nearby gas station and found a canister of Galaxy Gas on the scene, along with plastic tubing and a can of spray paint.
Nitrous oxide, when inhaled, does not show up on a blood test, as was the case with Beach, though law enforcement said he was visibly impaired and confused. He reportedly asked authorities if he “bumped into another car.”
Firefighters responded to the gas leak and conducted a primary search to ensure Eastern Carolina Medical Veterinary Center was empty as the roof blew off the building and the vet clinic caught fire. Three firefighters were injured and taken to the hospital, two with non-life-threatening injuries and one who was taken to the burn unit in Chapel Hill to be treated for severe burns to the hands and arms. The prosecution noted in court that the firefighter has since had seven procedures related to his injuries.
The public defender, Thomas Woodrum, said Beach has experienced years of substance abuse despite having a good employment history; he noted the drug treatment program will offer Beach an opportunity to “turn his life around.”
At Port City Daily, we aim to keep locals informed on top-of-mind news facing the tri-county region. To support our work and help us reach more people in 2026, please, consider helping one of two ways: Subscribe here or make a one-time contribution here.
We appreciate your ongoing support.
