Driver dies hitting utility pole as police attempt traffic stop in Statesville

STATESVILLE, N.C. — A man died when he crashed his car and hit a utility pole while driving at a high rate of speed Sunday morning in downtown Statesville, police said.

An officer saw the car speeding and running red lights around 5 a.m. on East Front Street.

Police said the officer attempted to make a traffic stop before the car crashed and flipped.

Officials said East Front Street between Tradd and Green streets was closed while police investigated and cleared the scene.

No other details have been released.

Cox Media Group