An arrest has been made in connection to a fatal hit-and-run crash Thursday (June 20) in Lincoln County. The deceased is 23-year-old Jacob Michael Bentley of Lincolnton. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol arrested 21-year-old Zachary Joseph Deal of Hickory Friday evening (June 21). He was charged with felony hit and run, failure to report an accident, and failure to render medical assistance.
The crash occurred at approximately 8:40 Thursday night on Business 321 near Summerow Road. A Ford Taurus was northbound on Business 321 when the driver crossed the centerline. The Ford collided with a southbound 2003 Mitsubishi Montero driven by Mr. Bentley. After the initial collision, Mr. Bentley lost control and drove off the road. The Mitsubishi overturned, ejecting Mr. Bently from the vehicle. He was not wearing a seatbelt.
Mr. Bentley was critically injured and was transported by medical helicopter to Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, where he passed away. The driver of the Taurus fled the scene after the collision. Following his arrest, Deal was placed in the Harven A. Crouse Detention Center in Lincolnton under a $10,000 secured bond.
