Driver Wanted For Fatal Hit-And-Run In Lincoln County

LINCOLNTON, N.C. – Authorities are searching for a vehicle involved in a fatal hit-and-run Thursday night in Lincoln County.

The suspect vehicle is a four-door Ford Taurus. Stock images of the vehicle are above.

Around 8:40 p.m. Thursday, the highway patrol responded to Business 321 near Summerow Road to investigate a collision. They say the Taurus was traveling north on Business 321 when it crossed the middle line and hit a southbound 2003 Mitsubishi Montero.

The Mitsubishi driver, later identified as 23-year-old Jacob Bentley, was not restrained by a seatbelt and was ejected, officials said.

Bentley was critically injured and was airlifted to Atrium CMC in Charlotte where he later died.

The Taurus driver fled the scene, and the highway patrol needs the public’s help in locating it.

Officials said it’s a silver or tan four-door Taurus with a missing left front headlight. It also had a temporary license plate.

Anyone with information on the collision is asked to contact the highway patrol at 828-466-5500.