LINCOLN COUNTY, N.C. — A man died after he lost control of his car and hit a concrete bridge guardrail while fleeing from police early Monday morning, authorities said.
According to Newton police, an officer tried to conduct a traffic stop on a blue 2014 Kia Forte on US Highway 321 (Business) South at 1:07 a.m. The driver of the car, later identified as Kyle Alan Wagner, pulled to the right side of the roadway and stopped, but as the officer was getting ready to get out of his patrol car, Wagner sped off, traveling south on Highway 321.
The officer chased after him and the pursuit continued through the Town of Maiden and eventually into Lincolnton.
Police said Wagner lost control of his car on North Aspen Street near Deaton Avenue, ran off the side of the road and struck a concrete bridge guardrail. The car burst into flames after hitting the guardrail.
Officers at the scene pulled Wagner from the car and provided medical aid to him until Lincoln County EMS and the Lincolnton Fire Department arrived.
Wagner died from his injuries on the way to Atrium Health Lincoln, police said.
“This is a tragic incident, and our thoughts and prayers are with the Wagner family and their loved ones as well as the officers involved,” Newton Police Chief Vidal Sipe said.
The Newton and Lincolnton police departments are continuing to investigate the crash.
(WATCH: Police chase out of Charlotte ends on private road along Lake Wylie)
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