By Shavonne Walker

shavonne.walker@salisburypost.com

HIGH POINT — A Spencer police officer is on paid administrative leave after a collision in High Point in which his patrol vehicle collided with a moped, killing the rider.

Officer Dustin Ward, who has been with the department only about six months, was traveling at 5:13 a.m. Tuesday on business Interstate 85 South near West Green Drive.

High Point traffic officers determined that Ward and the moped driver were both in the roadway at the time of impact and that Ward made an attempt to avoid the collision. The crash is still under investigation.

In his call to 911, Ward said the moped had no working rear lights.

Ward attempted life-saving measures, according to Spencer Police Chief Michael James, but he was unsuccessful. The moped rider, William Rex May, 61, of High Point, died at the scene.

Ward was not injured in the crash.

“Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to the May family, and I ask that you pray for Officer Ward during this difficult time,” James said.