The Hickory Police Department investigated a traffic crash involving pedestrians that occurred on Thursday, February 26, 2026, in the downtown area of Hickory.
Hickory Police responded to 213 Government Avenue SW at 8:15 p.m. to reports of a traffic crash with injured pedestrians.
Two victims were struck by a 2001 Toyota Camry Solara traveling west on Government Avenue SW. The vehicle was driven by Donald Gene Bledsole, 78, of Hickory. Catawba County EMS and Hickory Fire Department rendered lifesaving aid to the victims, a (7 year old female) juvenile and a 40-year-old male.
The 40-year-old male suffered serious injuries. He was transported to an area hospital where he was treated and released. The juvenile was transported to Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem. The juvenile later died as a result of injuries sustained from the crash.
A warrant for Bledsole’s arrest was served on Wednesday, March 4. He was charged with Misdemeanor Death by Vehicle. He was also cited with two counts of Failure to Reduce Speed, and one count Driving Left of Center.
This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Sgt. Amanda Efird at aefird@hickorync.gov or call the Hickory Police Department at 828-328-5551.
