Updated at 1:08 p.m.
WILMINGTON — A serious wreck at the intersection of Oleander Drive and Independence Boulevard near Independence Mall, has left one child dead and a 25-year-old Wilmington man in custody.
The wreck happened at around 10:45 a.m., according to Wilmington Police Department Spokeswoman Cathryn Lindsay. Police say that was when a pick-up truck being driven by 25-year-old Jonathan Alexander Hayes rear-ended a passenger vehicle that had a family of two adults and two children inside before the driver continued down the road and sideswiped a third vehicle.
All four occupants of the passenger vehicle were transferred to New Hanover Regional Medical Center, where a 2-year-old boy succumbed to his injuries.
No one from the third vehicle was injured. Police allege Hayes was under the influence of drugs at the time of the crash. Lindsay said police believe NARCAN, a drug used to reverse an opiod overdose, was administered to the suspect on scene.
Hayes has been charged with reckless operation of a motor vehicle, driving while impaired, possession of drug paraphernalia and felony death by motor vehicle.
The intersection of Independence Boulevard and Oleander Drive was closed to all traffic within a one-block radius of the area for more than three hours while police were investigating.
New info from @WilmingtonPD – A 2 yo boy injured in the wreck has died at the hospital @PortCityDaily
— Christina Haley (@TinaHaley8) November 1, 2016
Suspect Jonathan Hayes, 25, faces several charges, including DWI and felony death by vehicle @PortCityDaily
— Christina Haley (@TinaHaley8) November 1, 2016
