Moped operator dies in wreck; DWI charged

The moped was eastbound on N.C. 268 West when a 2014 Toyota Scion, also eastbound, failed to reduce speed and struck the moped from behind, stated a press release from the N.C. Highway Patrol.

Charlie Monroe Pike, 31, of the Yadkin Valley community east of Lenoir, was operating the moped and was pronounced dead at the scene from injuries received in the collision.

Ronnie Allen Honeycutt, 38, of Hudson, operator of the Toyota, wasn’t injured. Honeycutt was arrested and charged with driving while impaired during the on-scene investigation. “Additional charges are expected pending the results of a blood test and consultation with the DA’s office,” the release said. Highway Patrol Trooper L.M. Johnson is the investigating trooper.

The collision occurred about 7 p.m. near the entrance to the former Mom and Pop’s restaurant building and a short distance east of the intersection of Boomer Road and N.C. 268 West. The Toyota and moped were both heavily damaged.

Both lanes of N.C. 268 West were closed until about 10 p.m. The Goshen Fire Department blocked traffic near the Boomer Road intersection on the west and near Goshen Baptist Church on the east, said Goshen Fire Chief Mark Wood.

Wilkes Emergency Medical Services also responded.