A tragic hit-and-run in Kings Mountain has led to the arrest of a 22-year-old suspect, bringing a measure of relief to a grieving community. The incident, which claimed the life of 83-year-old Kenneth Ray Mills, occurred on the evening of March 24, 2026, and has since sparked an intense multi-agency investigation.
According to the Kings Mountain Police Department, officers responded around 7:52 p.m. to reports of a pedestrian being struck. When they arrived, they found Mills suffering from critical injuries. Despite emergency efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene, leaving family members and loved ones devastated by the sudden loss.
Investigators immediately began working to identify the driver responsible for the crash. Detectives from the department’s Criminal Investigations Unit canvassed the area, reviewed surveillance footage, and interviewed witnesses. Their efforts quickly led to the identification of a suspect believed to have fled the scene after the collision.
Authorities then partnered with the Clover Police Department and the York County Sheriff’s Office to track the suspect across state lines. Nordic Maxwell Calhoun was taken into custody in South Carolina on Wednesday following the coordinated operation, marking a significant breakthrough in the case.
During the investigation, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at a location tied to the suspect. There, they discovered a minivan believed to have been involved in the crash. Officials said the vehicle appeared to have been partially covered, possibly in an attempt to hide visible damage. The minivan showed front-end damage consistent with striking a pedestrian and has been seized for forensic testing.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine all the circumstances surrounding the deadly crash. Officials continue to remind the public of the importance of stopping and rendering aid after an accident, noting that fleeing the scene can lead to serious criminal charges. Meanwhile, the community of Kings Mountain mourns the loss of Kenneth Ray Mills and awaits justice in the wake of this heartbreaking tragedy.
