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Lenoir police say a driver who struck a vehicle head-on Tuesday, resulting in the death of a 92-year-old man, had consumed alcohol prior to the wreck.
Jack Byron White, 56, of Lenoir, was charged with driving while impaired and felony death by vehicle after the collision.
The crash occurred around 2:30 p.m. Tuesday near the intersection of Hickory Boulevard and Ideal Drive.
Police say the preliminary investigation shows that White was traveling northbound on Hickory Boulevard when his 1994 Plymouth van crossed into oncoming traffic and struck a Chevy Blazer driven by Donald Lee Roper.
Roper and a second man in his car, 92-year-old Howard Lee Roper, were both taken to Caldwell Memorial Hospital for treatment. But Howard Roper died from his injuries, police said.
White was also taken to the hospital for minor injuries. It was there that officers learned White had consumed alcohol before the wreck.
He was arrested after being released from the hospital.
Police said the crash remains under investigation and more charges are possible.
