Suspected street racing Range Rover crashes during police chase in Hickory

HICKORY, N.C. — A police chase in Hickory on Monday night ended with a crash that sent one woman to the hospital with serious injuries.

The wreck happened around 10:30 p.m. along Catawba Valley Boulevard and 8th Street Drive Southeast.

Deputies said they spotted two vehicles racing from traffic light to traffic light along Highway 70. They tried to pull both vehicles over but only the Range Rover SUV stopped. When the deputy approached the driver’s side door, the Range Rover sped off, leading law enforcement on a short pursuit before the driver crashed into a power pole on Catawba Valley Boulevard.

That driver was arrested after trying to run from the crashed Rover, and was later taken to the hospital. Family members told Channel 9 that the driver’s girlfriend, who was in the passenger’s seat, was seriously injured and had to be flown to Baptist hospital after the crash.

Channel 9 spoke with both sheriff deputies and police in the Hickory area who said they work together with the Highway Patrol along Highway 70 to prevent racing and other traffic issues -- especially on the weekends.

“This prearranged racing in Hickory or any location is dangerous and we are focusing our efforts and with the Hickory police department trying to stop that.” Cpt. Aaron Turk said.

No names have been released.

Deputies said there are charges pending against the driver for the chase and driving recklessly.

Officials said the driver of the other car involved initially stopped, but then left the scene while deputies chased the SUV.

(WATCH BELOW: Police chase ends with crash blocking major Fort Mill intersection, deputies say)

Police chase ends with crash blocking major Fort Mill intersection, deputies say

©2021 Cox Media Group