NC trooper who went fast and furious the wrong way resigns

A State Highway Patrol trooper resigned on Tuesday after a video surfaced showing him driving the wrong way on a highway during a street racing bust in Catawba County, the Highway Patrol said.

A group of people blocked traffic to race along U.S. 321 in Newton at about 4:30 p.m. Sunday. Troopers said the group created a hazard for other drivers and nearly caused several wrecks.

Troopers shut down the highway near exit 37 to stop the racing.

A video shared on multiple social media platforms after the incident showed the Catawba County trooper traveling on the wrong side of the highway, which is divided by a grass median, and passing oncoming traffic, Observer news partner WBTV reported.

The Highway Patrol confirmed Tuesday that Trooper T.J. Williamson submitted his resignation, effective immediately. The Highway Patrol is investigating the video.

None of the vehicles seized during the racing investigation had tags registered in North Carolina. The Highway Patrol said the cars are valued over $90,000, WBTV reported.

Seven drivers are facing multiple charges including prearranged racing, speeding, and impeding traffic, according to a Highway Patrol statement on Monday.

This story was originally published July 18, 2017 at 5:53 AM with the headline "NC trooper who went fast and furious the wrong way resigns."