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MAIDEN––An arrest has been made in connection with Thursday’s fatal hit-and-run collision near Maiden.

According to Master Trooper Christopher Casey of the North Carolina State High Highway Patrol, Zachary Joseph Deal, 21 and of Hickory, was arrested Friday evening by the highway patrol. The collision occurred some 24 hours earlier, around 8:40 p.m., on Business-321 in Lincoln County––an area not far from Maiden.

Jacob Michael Bentley, 23 and of Lincolnton, was critically injured in the incident. Bentley was airlifted to Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte. At that facility, he died soon thereafter from said injuries.

Casey continues that Deal is charged with felonious hit and run; failure to report an accident; and failure to render medical assistance. He is being held at the Lincoln County Detention Center under a $10,000 secured bond.

Also in his statement, the trooper extends gratitude to news organizations covering the incident.

“The North Carolina State Highway Patrol wishes to express its appreciation to the local media outlets for their assistance,” Casey adds.

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