GASTONIA, N.C. – WCCB has confirmed that one person is dead after a police chase resulted in a crash on West Franklin Blvd and New Hope Road in Gastonia Saturday afternoon.
Officials say they were responding to a reported larceny at the Target nearby when officers attempted to stop a Nissan Altima driven by 38-year-old Thomas Kirkland.
Police say that Kirkland continued driving and started speeding on East Franklin Blvd heading westbound in the eastbound lanes. Kirkland continued to cross over into the westbound lanes approaching the New Hope Road intersection passing stopped vehicles before going head on with a 2014 Dodge Avenger.
Kirkland’s passenger, Deborah Patterson, 62, was transported to Caromont Regional Medical Center and died from her injuries.
Officers say that 64-year-old Donald Curtis was driving the 2014 Dodge Avenger and was also transported to Caromont Regional Medical Center along with his passenger Patricia Curtis, and Mr. Kirkland.
Officials say that all three are facing serious but non-life threatening injuries.
Kirkland has been charged with Misdemeanor Death by Motor Vehicle, Felony Flee to elude Arrest, Careless and Reckless Driving, Fail to Stop for a Stop Light, Left of Center, Speeding, Driving While License Revoked while revoked for impaired driving, and Felony Larceny.
The Gastonia Police Department Traffic Enforcement Bureau is investigating the collision.
They are asking anyone who may have seen the incident or have any additional information to contact Officer Z. Lechette with the Gastonia Police Department Traffic Enforcement Bureau at 704-866- 6702.
