A truck hauling a piece of construction equipment struck Yates' vehicle when it crossed the center line on U.S. 311. Yates, 54, had to be airlifted to Duke Medical.

He is the district attorney for Moore, Montgomery and Randolph counties.

An employee of Yates' Moore County office said Monday that there has been no update on his condition.

She said that the office would notify the public if Yates had to undergo any operations.

Yates' family issued a statement Friday saying that it had no comment on his medical condition.

Duke Medical said that Yates was not listed as a patient there, which is the answer it must give by law if the family or patient makes that request. The Asheboro Courier-Tribune reported Friday that Yates was in critical condition and that he was at Duke.

When asked if some court hearings would have to be postponed, Assistant District Attorney Warren McSweeney said that court would go on as scheduled.

"I'm not aware of any matters he was directly involved in," he said.

The accident occurred about three miles west of Randleman, between High Point and Greensboro. Yates was driving a 1999 Pontiac northwest on U.S. 311 near the intersection of Millikan Road about 1 p.m, according to the state Highway Patrol.

Arturo Pichardo, 35, was driving a 1996 Ford truck in the other direction. He was hauling a trailer with a Bobcat.

Highway Patrol Trooper G.R. Catherwood investigated the incident. A vehicle in front of the truck slowed to make a turn.

"The truck did not slow down in time," he said. "In an effort to not hit that car, it went left of center and struck Mr. Yates head-on."

No charges have been filed, but the trooper said that the accident is still under investigation.

Yates has been district attorney for Moore County since 1997.

Under the state budget passed this year by the General Assembly, Moore County will become a single proescutorial district in January.

Check ThePilot.com for updates on this developing story.

Matthew Moriarty may be reached at 693-2479 or by e-mail at moriarty@thepilot.com.