Three motorists who blocked traffic on Interstate 40 Wednesday morning have been charged with impeding traffic and careless & reckless driving.

The North Carolina State Highway Patrol issued a release on Wednesday saying troopers responded to a scene in Wake County where three vehicles were driving 10 miles per hour while blocking all westbound travel lanes to include the emergency lane. The motorists were stopped near the 291 mile marker and were taken into custody by troopers without incident.

The News and Observer reported the slowdown may have been a protest of systemic racism, beginning at 8:46 a.m. to honor George Floyd. The outlet said no group officially organized the incident, but the idea was publicized by the organization Young Americans Protest.

The State Highway Patrol listed the three people who were charged: Rachel Jones of Carrboro, Kristina Breneman of Raleigh and Taari Coleman of Raleigh.

“This morning’s protest on one of our state’s major thoroughfares placed motorists in needless danger,” said Colonel Glenn McNeill, Jr., commander of the State Highway Patrol, in a release. “The actions demonstrated by the protesters involved increased the probability for collisions to occur, potentially resulting in serious injury or death. Our response echoed the Highway Patrol’s commitment to public safety.”

Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees. You can support local journalism and our mission to serve the community. Contribute today – every single dollar matters.

Related Stories
‹
Photo Gallery: No Kings Day In Carrboro, Pittsboro, and Hillsborough
Here's our collection of photos from Saturday's No Kings Day demonstrations in Carrboro, Pittsboro, and Hillsborough.
'No Kings' Demonstrators Take To The Streets In Carrboro, Pittsboro, and Hillsborough
Thousands of demonstrators in Carrboro, Pittsboro, and Hillsborough stepped out to voice their distaste with President Donald Trump.
PHOTOS: 'No Kings' Rallies in Orange County, Durham Draw Thousands
Joining in with "No Kings" rallies across the country on Saturday, many Orange and Durham County community members took part in local protests.
Chapel Hill And Carrboro Hold 'No Kings' Protest, Joining Communities Nationwide
On Saturday, June 14, hundreds of Chapel Hill and Carrboro residents held their very own “No Kings” protest against the Trump administration.
Police: Trio of Suspects At Large After Shooting at State Trooper in Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill Police and State Highway Patrol investigators are working to identify suspects after an overnight chase that included gunfire.
Driver Hits, Kills Person Changing Flat Tire Along I-40 in Orange County
One person died in Orange County along Interstate 40 as they were struck by another driver outside their vehicle while changing a flat tire.
Carrboro Man Killed on I-40 After Running Out of Gas, Crossing Interstate
A Carrboro community member died on Monday morning after being struck by two vehicles while attempting to cross Interstate 40.
George Floyd’s Family Holds Rally, March in Brother’s Memory
Written by MOHAMED IBRAHIM Members of George Floyd’s family, and others who lost loved ones to police encounters, joined activists and citizens in Minneapolis for a march that was one of several events planned nationwide to mark the one-year anniversary of Floyd’s death. Hundreds of people gathered for the rally Sunday in front of the courthouse in downtown […]
Daunte Wright Death in Minnesota Traffic Stop Sparks Unrest
A Black man died after being shot by police in a Minneapolis suburb during a traffic stop and crashing his car several blocks away, sparking violent protests that lasted into the early hours Monday as officers in riot gear clashed with demonstrators and the man’s mother called for calm. The man was identified by family […]
Chapel Hill, Carrboro Community Honors Breonna Taylor with Candlelight Vigil
On the one year anniversary of Breonna Taylor’s death, Chapel Hill and Carrboro community members gathered to celebrate her life, praise the efforts of Black women and advocate against racial injustice. Organized by the youth council of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro NAACP, Saturday’s vigil at the Peace and Justice Plaza on East Franklin Street featured a […]
›