Driver in stolen vehicle killed in crash after fleeing from police

On Tuesday, October 5, at approximately 9:40 p.m., an officer with the Hickory Police Department observed a stolen Honda Accord traveling on Springs Road near 22nd Street NE. The Officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but the Honda failed to pull over and fled towards the intersection of Springs Road and McDonald Parkway, resulting in a short vehicle pursuit.

When the stolen Honda reached the intersection of Springs Road and McDonald Parkway, it ran the red light and collided with a white Jeep Wrangler occupied by four people ranging in age from 15 to 17 years old. The impact caused the Jeep to overturn onto its right side. A third vehicle was struck by the Jeep and sustained minor damage.

All occupants of the Jeep suffered various injuries and were transported to a local hospital. Three have been treated and released as of Thursday morning. The fourth remains hospitalized and is in stable condition. The driver of the third vehicle was not injured.

The driver of the stolen Honda, identified as Bradley Michael Swink, 30, of Claremont, was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. After Swink was identified, it was discovered that he was out on multiple bonds and had multiple outstanding felony warrants for his arrest to include habitual felon, assault with a deadly weapon, carrying a concealed weapon, larceny of motor vehicle, possession of methamphetamine, habitual larceny, driving while impaired and common law robbery.

The Hickory Police Department contacted the North Carolina Highway Patrol who is conducting the investigation into the traffic crash.