Lincolnton – On Thursday, June 20, at approximately 8:40 p.m., the NC State Highway Patrol responded to and investigated a hit-and-run fatal collision in Lincoln County on Business 321 near Summerow Road. A Ford Taurus was traveling north on Business 321, crossed the centerline, and collided with a southbound 2003 Mitsubishi Montero. After the initial collision, the driver of the Montero lost control, drove off the road, and overturned.
The driver of the Montero, Jacob Michael Bentley, 23, of Lincolnton, was critically injured and transported by medical helicopter to Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, where he succumbed to his injuries. He was not restrained by a seatbelt and was ejected from the vehicle.
The driver of the Taurus fled the scene after the collision.
The suspect vehicle is believed to be a silver or tan 4-door Ford Taurus that’s missing the left front headlight assembly and displaying a temporary registration plate. Below is an example of the suspect vehicle.
The Highway Patrol requests the public’s assistance in identifying the Taurus and asks that anyone who can provide any further information concerning this fatal collision contact the Highway Patrol at 828-466-5500. The investigation is ongoing.