Fatal traffic crash

On Friday, September 8, 2023, at approximately 10:42 p.m., Hickory Police attempted to stop a motorcycle traveling west on U.S. 70 SW near 4th Street SW for careless and reckless driving and failing to display a license plate. When the Officer initiated the traffic stop, the motorcycle fled, continuing west on U.S. 70 SW. The Officer activated his blue lights and siren and pursued the motorcycle. As they approached the intersection of U.S. 70 SW and 13th Street SW, a Honda Odyssey minivan entered the intersection from 13th Street SW and was struck by the police vehicle.

The occupants of the Honda were the driver, a white female, 38, and a white male juvenile. Officers arriving on the scene of the crash called for medical assistance and attempted to render emergency medical aid to the occupants of the Honda. EMS and the Hickory Fire Department arrived and continued to provide emergency medical aid to all parties involved in the crash. The driver of the Honda was pronounced deceased at the scene and the juvenile passenger was transported to the hospital with life threating injuries. The Officer and front seat passenger of the police vehicle were transported to the hospital and treated for non-life threatening injuries.

The North Carolina State Highway Patrol responded to the scene and has taken over the traffic crash investigation at the request of the Hickory Police Department. The Officer involved in the traffic crash has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an administrative investigation.

The motorcycle involved in the pursuit did not stop and fled the scene. Anyone with information regarding the identity of the driver is asked to contact the North Carolina State Highway Patrol or the Hickory Police Department.