Solid Waste Employee Stops Runaway Tractor-Trailer on U.S. 70 After Driver Found Disoriented

Russell Brock, a CRSWMA employee, was driving east on U.S. 70 toward Newport when he came across another tractor-trailer weaving across the road as Craven County Sheriff's Office deputies were already responding to the situation. The tractor was being operated by one of CRSWMA's contracted transportation providers and was hauling a CRSWMA-owned trailer. The authority relies on contracted providers to supplement its own drivers in moving municipal solid waste from transfer stations to the Tuscarora Landfill.

Brock, who also serves as a volunteer firefighter with Jasper Township 9 Volunteer Fire Department, learned through firefighter communications that the driver was reportedly unresponsive. Recognizing both the CRSWMA trailer and the contracted provider's tractor, he alerted CRSWMA management about what he was observing.

Brock Boards the Moving Truck

While in contact with law enforcement, Brock drove ahead of the tractor-trailer. Pulling alongside it, he saw the driver slumped in the seat while the truck continued moving. He stopped his own vehicle in front of the tractor-trailer, got out, and approached on foot. He then climbed onto the tractor using the driver's-side mirror and tried to communicate with the driver.

The driver responded but appeared disoriented and told Brock he was unable to stop the truck, according to the Coastal Environmental Partnership. Brock then opened the cab door, entered the vehicle, switched off the ignition and engaged the braking system, bringing the tractor-trailer to a stop.

Law Enforcement Assisted at the Scene

Highway Patrol reported that a state trooper and a Craven County sheriff's deputy were involved in safely stopping the truck along the side of U.S. 70 near mile marker 432. Officers also managed traffic behind the tractor-trailer to protect other motorists during the response. The driver was subsequently taken for a medical evaluation, according to Highway Patrol.

CRSWMA Executive Director Bobby Darden said the authority was grateful the incident did not result in a more serious outcome, describing the situation Brock faced as unpredictable and dangerous and noting that he took action to help bring the vehicle to a stop. Darden also expressed thanks to law enforcement and emergency responders for their role in protecting drivers during the incident.

CRSWMA said it plans to formally recognize Brock once all details of the incident have been confirmed.