Passenger Killed in Durham Crash Involving Stolen Car

DURHAM, NC – A high-speed crash involving a stolen vehicle left one person dead and several others injured early Wednesday morning on Durham Chapel Hill Boulevard near Southwest Durham Drive.

Crash Unfolds During Police Response

At approximately 5:35 a.m. on March 19, 2025, Durham officers were responding to reports of motor vehicle break-ins in the 3500 block of Mount Mariah Road when an officer spotted a stolen 2020 Kia Soul traveling east on Durham Chapel Hill Boulevard.

When the officer attempted a traffic stop, the Kia refused to pull over. Within seconds, the stolen vehicle sped through the intersection of Southwest Durham Drive, running a red light and colliding with a black 2021 Toyota Highlander, making a left turn.

One Killed, Several Injured

Emergency responders rushed to the scene, where they transported three occupants from the stolen Kia to a local hospital. One suffered life-threatening injuries, while the other two sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

The driver of the Toyota Highlander was also hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. However, the passenger, 53-year-old Jermaine Clements of Durham, suffered critical injuries and was later pronounced deceased.

Investigation Ongoing

Authorities have confirmed that charges related to the crash are pending.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Durham Police Investigator J. Lanier at (919) 560-4935 ext. 29447.