Wednesday, December 18
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Driver Charged After Overdose Leads to Crash

ASHEBORO N.C. – A driver is facing multiple charges after the Sheriff’s Office says he crashed into a street sign and a patrol vehicle while intoxicated behind the wheel.

On June 10th, 2023, Randolph County Sheriff’s Office Deputies returning from a call were traveling westbound on US Hwy 64 E when near Substation Rd (near the 64-bypass split) they observed a vehicle that had crashed into a street sign in the median.

According to a press release, the deputies turned around to investigate the welfare of the driver, when they saw the vehicle come across the median stop in the middle of both lanes facing oncoming traffic. Deputies reported that as they were approaching the vehicle on foot, the driver attempted to flee, nearly striking the deputies, and crashing into the front of one of the patrol vehicles at approximately 25 mph. A deputy was able to reach into the vehicle, put it in park, and remove the keys.

The driver, identified as Christopher Shawn Muckenfuss by police, was not responsive. Reports from radio traffic indicate that Deputies administered Narcan and provided medical care until Fire/EMS arrived.

The Sheriff’s Office says that at one-point Muckenfuss regained consciousness, refused medical care and transport, and was going to attempt to leave the scene in the vehicle, and was therefore detained.

Deputies say they located narcotics in the vehicle.

NC State Highway Patrol arrived and took Muckenfuss into custody where he was charged on citation with driving while intoxicated and driving while license revoked. Once the NCSHP completed their investigation, Muckenfuss was transferred to the custody of Randolph County Sheriff’s Office and then transported to the Randolph County Jail where the magistrate found probable cause for charges of two counts misdemeanor assault on law enforcement officer and misdemeanor damage to personal property and issued a $7,500 secured bond with a first appearance set for June 12, 2023, in Randolph County District Court.

Christopher Shawn Muckenfuss

  • Misdemeanor – Possession of Schedule IV CS
  • Misdemeanor – Injury to Personal Property (NCDOT sign)
  • Misdemeanor – Careless and Reckless
  • Traffic – Left of Center
  • Traffic – Failure to Reduce Speed / Avoid Accident
  • Traffic – Expired Registration
  • Traffic – Operating vehicle in Wrong Direction

$7,500 secured bond