A Fayetteville man was taken by helicopter to UNC Chapel Hill Hospitals after an early-morning wreck Saturday in Aberdeen.

James Edward Carter, 53, was driving a scooter south on U.S. 1 at approximately 1:15 a.m. when the incident happened. He was stopped at a traffic light at the intersection of U.S. 1 and U.S. 15/501 when he was hit from behind by a 2002 Chrysler driven by Leon Anthony Banks, 61, of Fayetteville, Aberdeen police said.

“The light turned green and the scooter stayed there,” said Jim Foster, deputy chief with the Aberdeen police department. “He (Banks) continued on his way and never saw the scooter until after impact, according to his statement.”

Foster said the car hit the scooter while traveling an estimated 40 miles per hour.

Carter, who was wearing a helmet, remained at UNC Chapel Hill Hospitals on Monday. He was listed in fair condition.

No charges have been filed as the wreck is still under investigation.

Foster said Banks was wearing his seatbelt and alcohol did not appear to be a factor in the crash.

Contact Tom Embrey at (910) 693-2484 or by e-mail at tembrey@thepilot.com.