Yesterday six individuals were struck by a vehicle outside a local Walmart. These victims are now in the hospital after what local police have characterized as an intentional racial-motivated act of violence.
Responding to reports of a crash at the Walmart on North Generals Boulevard, Lincolnton police arrived at the scene around 1:15 pm Sunday afternoon. What they found was reminiscent of a disturbing upward trend in hit-and-run incidents across North Carolina.
Detectives’ preliminary investigations reveal that an elderly man driving an older-model mid-sized black SUV, equipped with a luggage rack, veered off his apparent course to park near a bus. Instead, he accelerated into a group of migrant workers gathered near the vehicle outside the store. Without pause, the driver then fled the scene, leaving the injured victims behind.
All six individuals were immediately transported to the hospital, where they are currently being treated for various injuries. Fortunately, according to Lincolnton detectives, none of the victims suffered injuries deemed life-threatening.
This incident is unfortunately not isolated. Data from the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has shown a steady rise in hit-and-run incidents over the years. In 2019 alone, there were over 56,000 hit-and-run incidents in North Carolina, leading to almost 20,000 injuries.
The driver, described as an older white male, remains at large. The motive behind the assault is still undetermined, yet police are certain the act was intentional.
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to this case to contact the Lincolnton Police Department at (704) 736-8900.