A state Highway Patrol trooper was released from the hospital today following a wreck early this morning that could have taken his life.

Sergeant R.E. Dudley said Trooper Scott Richardson was headed east on Highway 158 back to Roanoke Rapids when a westbound Dodge Charger passed him going 84 miles per hour near a gentleman's club.

Richardson turned around to pursue the vehicle and, as he gave chase, had to pass a Hummer in front of him.

While making the pass he noticed two pedestrians, one who was walking in the roadway, shortly before 4:30.

Richardson swerved his vehicle to miss the pedestrian and ended up in the wood line, hitting tree after tree with the car going end over end.

One tree penetrated the passenger side of the vehicle at least 8 to 10 inches, Dudley said. He was trapped in vehicle for at least a half hour. "He has multiple lacerations, nothing life threatening, a lot of cuts and scars and bruises. Scott's lucky to be alive."

Why the people were walking at that hour remains unknown, but investigating troopers did talk to them to corroborate the story, Dudley said.

The pedestrians said it appeared to be a silver colored Charger. "I don't think we'll ever find it," Dudley said.