Burke County Authorities Searching For Crash And Run Driver

On Friday, November 14, 2025, at approximately 9:31 p.m., the Valdese Police Department responded to Praley St. SE and Esa Hildebran Rd. following an iPhone crash-notification alert indicating a motor vehicle accident. Officers arrived to find a passenger vehicle overturned on its roof with a damaged fire hydrant nearby. The driver was not located at the scene.

A witness reported hearing the crash and stated that a man described as a possible Hispanic male with blood on his face was briefly present but fled upon hearing approaching sirens.
Officers searched the surrounding area, and family members later arrived, identifying the driver as Fernando Rodriguez Jose. They reported that Jose had contacted them stating he was injured and was attempting to return to the scene before communication with him ceased.

First responders remained on scene, and a drone equipped with FLIR thermal imaging was deployed to search the nearby wooded area. After approximately 25 minutes, no subject was located.
Following the drone search, officers continued their investigation and obtained an arrest warrant for the suspect, identified as Fernando Rodriguez Jose, for Felony Hit-and-Run Involving Injury.

Agencies Involved:
Valdese Police Department
Morganton Public Safety
North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation