Ex-UNCW student sues Highway Patrol over wrongful DWI charges after fatal I-40 crash
A former UNCW student, Raylee Grieco, is suing the North Carolina State Highway Patrol after being wrongfully charged with DWI following a fatal crash on I-40 in February 2024.
According to reports from WWAY, Grieco was involved in a collision on February 18, 2024, when her vehicle struck a car stopped in the middle of I-40.
The crash resulted in the death of Mildo Velasquez, who was reportedly under a trailer attempting to reconnect it to his pickup truck.
Despite a breath test showing no alcohol, Grieco was charged with DWI and Underage DWI, charges that were later dismissed when blood tests revealed no impairing substances.
ALSO READ: Family copes with loss of 44-year-old man killed in fatal wrong-way crash
According to the lawsuit, Nurse Practitioner Sorto, who treated Grieco, determined she was not impaired and did not require a blood test for intoxicating substances.
The lawsuit claims that Trooper Duff initially intended to charge Grieco only with failure to reduce speed but requested a Drug Recognition Expert evaluation based on a hospital staff member's comment that Grieco was 'acting strangely.'
This observation was made after Grieco had been administered Norco, a narcotic pain medication. DRE Trooper Rich conducted field sobriety tests and claimed Grieco was under the influence of THC, despite the medication and her concussion.
The lawsuit alleges that his evaluation was flawed and that he falsely stated a CT scan ruled out a concussion.
Grieco's lawsuit seeks monetary relief, punitive damages, and a public apology from the NC Highway Patrol, highlighting alleged misconduct and wrongful charges in the investigation.
VIDEO: Family copes with loss of 44-year-old man killed in fatal wrong-way crash
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Yahoo
Houston ICE Deports 142 Mexican Criminals
(Texas Scorecard) – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has deported 142 criminal aliens from the Houston area to Mexico. Among them were eight known gang members, 11 convicted child predators, and one individual who had entered the country illegally 21 separate times. Collectively, the group illegally entered the country 480 times and accumulated 473 criminal convictions for a wide range of serious crimes, including: 11 convictions for child sex crimes 76 convictions for driving while intoxicated (DWI) 43 convictions for aggravated assault and domestic violence 22 convictions for human smuggling ICE Houston Field Office Director Bret Bradford said, 'Unfortunately, this is not an anomaly. For the past few years, there has been virtually no deterrent to illegal entry into the country.' As a result, millions of illegal aliens, including violent criminals, child predators, transnational gang members, and foreign fugitives, have poured into the U.S. Among the most egregious cases: Benito Charqueno Zavala, 60, was convicted of continuous sexual abuse of a child and is one of the 11 convicted child predators deported. Johnny Urbina Carillo, 37, was convicted of sexually exploiting a minor and had prior convictions for cocaine possession and illegal reentry. Luis Angel Garcia-Contreras, 40, a documented member of the Sureños 13 gang, had illegally entered the U.S. 21 times and had four convictions for illegal entry. Last week, ICE arrested nine illegal aliens allegedly involved in a drug trafficking operation that utilized both the U.S. Mail and a taco truck for distribution. Last month, ICE arrested 422 illegal aliens in the Houston area, including a convicted murderer who had been released into the country under Biden-era parole policies. Harris County Commissioner Tom Ramsey, a Republican, noted that the county jail maintains a strong partnership with ICE and regularly transfers custody of individuals with ICE detainers. Houston Mayor John Whitmire clarified in January that the Houston Police Department does not participate in federal immigration enforcement. 'HPD enforces state laws and will hold violators accountable regardless of immigration status,' he said. Still, HPD does notify ICE when officers encounter suspects with active immigration warrants.
Yahoo
19 hours ago
- Yahoo
Amnesty Day to be held this month by the Shreveport City Marshal's Office. Here's what you need to know
The Shreveport City Marshal's Office is hosting its annual amnesty day later this month. On Saturday, June 21, the Shreveport City Marshal's Office will host its annual Amnesty Day from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Shreveport City Courthouse. This will allow anyone who has outstanding warrants through the Shreveport City Court to have their warrants recalled and a new court date scheduled without fear of being arrested or additional fees. Also, anyone with delinquent fines can get a new payment schedule. According to the marshal's office, this is only for warrants and fines issued through Shreveport City Courts. Warrants that involve Domestic Abuse Battery, Battery of a Dating Partner, DWI's and probation will not be recalled and must post a bond. Marshal James Jefferson encourages anyone who thinks that they may have an outstanding warrant or delinquent fines to take advantage of this opportunity. Individuals must come in person with their ID. More: Three more escaped New Orleans inmates have been caught, while two still remain at large Makenzie Boucher is a reporter with the Shreveport Times. Contact her at mboucher@ This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Amnesty Day to be held this month by the Shreveport City Marshal's Office. Here's what you need to know
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
DWI Checkpoint scheduled for drivers in Shreveport
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) — The Shreveport Police Department will set up a DWI checkpoint. Scammers impersonate Natchitoches Police to target locals The checkpoint is part of the department's efforts to reduce impaired driving and improve roadway safety. Officers will check for drivers under the influence of drugs and alcohol. The checkpoint will be held on Friday, June 14, in West Shreveport from 8:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. Saturday morning. For more information, contact the Shreveport Police Department at (318) 673-7300. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
