Man killed in hit-and-run on Highway 70 near Hickory

HICKORY, N.C. — Police in Hickory are investigating a deadly hit-and-run crash that happened Wednesday on Highway 70.

Authorities said a man was struck and killed early Wednesday morning.

The incident took place near the Interstate 40 overpass in southeast Hickory. Officers got a call around 8 a.m. after a passerby noticed a person on the side of the road.

Breaking Catawba Co- police in Hickory are investigating a deadly hit and run after a person was struck and killed along Highway 70. Investigators say it happened around 8am near the interstate 40 overpass. They have recovered parts from the vehicle and are analyzing that now. Watch channel 9 eyewitness news for updates on this developing story. Video courtesy Kenny Clontz
Posted by Dave Faherty on Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Investigators recovered pieces of the vehicle involved in the collision to identify a suspect. On Thursday, the Hickory Police Department identified the suspected driver as 58-year-old Russell Cornell Bell.

The victim was identified as 40-year-old Quinton Javar Davis of Catawba.

Bell was charged with felony hit and run causing death, according to HPD. He was being held on a $50,000 secured bond as of Thursday.

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