KANNAPOLIS ó Police have identified the victim of a wreck following a traffic stop as Orlando Valdina Lawson, 46, of Psalms Street.
Police say Lawson died when his vehicle struck a utility pole on Lane Street near the intersection with Turkey Road around 4 a.m. Monday.
Minutes before a Kannapolis officer had stopped Lawson at the intersection of Mable and Lane streets.
Suspecting the use of alcohol, the officer used a sobriety test on Lawson, who remained in the car.
Capt. Pat Patty said when the officer advised Lawson he was under arrest, Lawson drove off, going east on Lane Street.
The officer ran back, got in his cruiser and went east on Lane Street, but never saw the fleeing vehicle.
A short time later as the officer approached the intersection of I-85 and Lane Street, he saw a motorist’s flashing lights.
The officer continued to the scene where a motorist had seen the car go off the road and strike a utility pole.
The N.C. Highway Patrol investigated the accident which was outside the city limits.