Police say suspect fled after striking victim with minivan
March 24, 2026 | Kings Mountain, NC
An 83-year-old pedestrian lost his life in a hit-and-run crash involving a dark gray minivan on a Tuesday evening.
Authorities quickly tracked down the suspect vehicle the following day in a nearby town, leading to an arrest.
Kenneth Mills, 83, died after he was hit by a vehicle in a hit-and-run crash in Kings Mountain.
What Happened in the Crash?
Police reports detail that Kenneth Mills was struck by the minivan around 8 p.m. The exact location within Kings Mountain remains undisclosed by investigators. The driver fled immediately after the crash, leaving Mills critically injured. He succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter.
- Victim: Kenneth Mills, 83 years old
- Date: March 24
- Time: Approximately 8 p.m.
- Vehicle Involved: Dark gray minivan
- Outcome: Fatal pedestrian injury, and suspect arrested
How Was the Suspect Apprehended?
Detectives located the damaged minivan in Clover on Wednesday. The vehicle showed front-end damage and was partially concealed, suggesting an effort to avoid detection. The 22-year-old driver, Nordic Maxwell Calhoun, was arrested and faces felony charges for hit-and-run resulting in death.
Why Do Hit-and-Run Crashes Occur So Frequently?
Hit-and-run incidents plague roadways across the U.S., with data indicating more than one such crash every minute. Common factors include driver intoxication, lack of a valid license, or fear of legal consequences.
Statistic |
Value |
Source |
|---|
Annual Hit-and-Run Crashes in the U.S. |
Over 682,000 |
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) |
Pedestrian Fatalities in Hit-and-Runs |
About 10% of total pedestrian deaths |
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) |
Primary Reasons for Fleeing |
Intoxication (35%), No License (25%), Fear of Arrest (20%) |
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) |
Legal Insights
In cases such as this, conducting a thorough independent investigation is crucial to establishing facts and protecting those affected. National legal analyst emphasizes the need for detailed examinations.
“Having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a hit-and-run accident case and prove negligence,” said Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal and a national analyst with Newsline. “Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all possible contributing factors that are considered and must thoroughly be examined. These procedures are necessary for helping someone who has been injured at the hands of a hit-and-run driver receive the justice and monetary compensation that they deserve.”
Key takeaways from hit-and-run investigations:
- Assess environmental factors like lighting and road design.
- Gather evidence promptly to counter any attempts to conceal the incident.
- Pursue accountability to prevent future occurrences.
For families facing loss in motor vehicle crashes, pursuing a wrongful death claim can address damages for companionship, emotional distress, and suffering. Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal, notes the importance of legal support.
“We understand just what families are forced to go through, and having their rights protected is vital,” said Formica. “A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their best interests are taken care of. Relatives of wrongful death victims are entitled to seek damages for the loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a tragic or catastrophic accident.”
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Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, has extensive experience with fatal pedestrian accidents. If you or a loved one needs help, she offers free consultations.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).