A store clerk has been criminally charged following a single-vehicle collision that left the driver seriously injured.
On Tuesday, Oct. 25, North Carolina State Highway Patrol notified ALE of a collision on Highway 39 in Johnston County. The driver of the vehicle was identified as Gracen Simmons, 20, of Middlesex who suffered serious injuries in the single vehicle crash. Malt beverages were found inside the vehicle at the time of the crash and were believed to be a contributing factor.
ALE conducted an investigation to determine where Simmons obtained the alcoholic beverages. Through the course of the investigation, special agents determined Simmons purchased malt beverages from 777 Food Mart, located at 11585 NC Highway 42 in Middlesex, prior to the crash. The clerk, Nashwan Abdulraqeb Ali, 20, of Clayton, was criminally charged with selling alcoholic beverages to a person less than 21 years of age.
A violation report will be submitted to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission for the underage sale at 777 Food Mart, which could result in fines, suspension or revocation of ABC permits.