State Trooper Killed in Wrong-Way Collision on Durham Freeway; Impairment Suspected

Durham, North Carolina — March 1, 2026 — According to WRAL News, a North Carolina State Highway Patrol trooper lost his life after a wrong-way driver collided head-on with his patrol vehicle along the Durham Freeway.

Authorities said Master Trooper Steven J. Perry, 30, was on duty when the crash occurred near the Swift Avenue exit on N.C. Highway 147. Investigators determined that a southbound vehicle had entered the northbound lanes prior to the collision.

The driver of that vehicle, identified as 39-year-old Melshawn Moore of Kinston, also died at the scene.

According to the State Highway Patrol, preliminary findings indicate that impairment may have contributed to the crash. Court records show Moore had previously been convicted in three separate driving while impaired cases — one in Onslow County and two in Lenoir County.

Trooper Perry had served Durham County for nearly seven years after graduating from the 148th Basic Patrol School. In a statement shared on social media, the Highway Patrol honored his dedication to public safety and expressed condolences to his loved ones and colleagues.

“During this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and fellow troopers who had the privilege of serving alongside him,” the agency stated.

Perry’s brother, Eli, remembered him as someone who set high standards not only for others but for himself. He described Steven as deeply committed to providing for his family and embracing his role in law enforcement with the same leadership qualities he displayed as a football player at North Carolina Central University.

Governor Josh Stein also offered condolences, noting that Trooper Perry devoted his career to protecting the Durham community and asking residents to keep his family and the broader law enforcement community in their thoughts.

The fatal crash remains under active investigation.

The loss marks the second tragedy for the State Highway Patrol in recent days. Just one week earlier, Master Trooper Stien Davis, Jr., of Robeson County died in a separate crash after his vehicle left the roadway and overturned in a swampy area along N.C. Highway 130.

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Notes: Our team created this post using secondary sources and has not independently verified all the facts surrounding the accident. If you find any incorrect details, please contact the Ramsay Law Firm so we can update the post with the most accurate information. This post will be removed if requested.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice and is not a solicitation for business. The photograph used in this post is not representative of this accident. If you are injured in an accident, seek medical attention immediately, then speak to a North Carolina personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.