STATESVILLE — An N.C. State Highway Patrol trooper testified Monday that Austin Ray Harmon was legally impaired when his Honda Accord crossed the center line on Fort Dobbs Road and collided with a golf cart, killing three people and seriously injuring three others.
Trooper Allen Frye told an Iredell County Superior Court jury that Harmon admitted at the scene that he had consumed “three or four beers” while fishing earlier that day. During questioning by Assistant District Attorney Mikko Red Arrow, Frye said Harmon also provided a written statement claiming the golf cart had pulled out in front of him and that he attempted to avoid the collision.
However, Frye testified that evidence at the crash site—including gouge marks and vehicle fluid—showed Harmon’s westbound Honda crossed the center line, entered the eastbound lane, struck the golf cart, and continued down the eastbound lane before veering back into the westbound lane and coming to a stop.
Monday marked the third day of testimony in the trial, which is expected to wrap up this week. Before court recessed for the day, the prosecutor informed Judge Lock that the state anticipates finishing its case by Wednesday. Testimony is scheduled to resume this morning.
